hors
adv.adv. in a way that is not fair or reasonable. You use this when someone is being mean or treating a situation unfairly.
adv. in an unfair or unreasonable manner. Often used in the phrase 'to be hors de combat' to describe being unable to continue a fight or competition.
He treated his employees hors de combat.
The referee decided that the player was hors de combat after suffering a serious injury during the match.
The legal team argued that the evidence was hors de combat, as it had been obtained through questionable means that violated the defendant's rights.
Last updated May 20, 2026