hors de combat

[ awr duh kawn-ba ]

adverb

, French.

1. out of the fight; disabled; no longer able to fight.

hors de combat

/ ɔr də kɔ̃ba /

adjective

1. disabled or injured

Word History and Origins

Origin of hors de combat¹

literally: out of (the) fight

Example Sentences

“Allegations of summary executions of people hors de combat should be promptly, fully and effectively investigated, and any perpetrators held to account.”

From New York Times

“We have received credible allegations of summary executions of persons hors de combat, and several cases of torture and ill-treatment, reportedly committed by members of the Ukrainian armed forces,” Bogner said.

From Seattle Times

Its use against military targets, while permitted, is discouraged if there are other means to render enemy combatants hors de combat because of the suffering caused by phosphorus burns.

From The Guardian

People who are not actually fighting, she explains, are "hors de combat" - or "out of action" - and international law is very clear about how they should be treated.

From BBC

With all our guides hors de combat, Hutchison stepped up to fill the leadership vacuum.

From Literature