buffer zone

noun

1. a neutral zone or area between two potentially hostile nations, designed to prevent any overt acts of aggression.
2. any area serving to mitigate or neutralize potential conflict.

buffer zone

noun

1. an area lying between two states and providing each with protection from the other

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffer zone¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Some Israeli officials have voiced support for emptying the area of Palestinians as a way to form a buffer zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Diamond miners who once operated within forested areas, including the buffer zone of the reserve, are prohibited from mining there and risk facing severe penalties if caught.

From BBC

At one point Israeli troops marched on Beirut before eventually pulling back to a 400-square-mile “buffer zone” to, then as now, prevent attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

This summer, San Diego amended its decades old buffer zone law, requiring that patients seeking care at abortion clinics must give consent before a protester can approach them “verbally or physically.”

From Los Angeles Times

In his defiant speech last week, Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah dared Israel to attempt to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, something the head of Israel’s Northern Command is said to be pushing for.

From BBC