demarcation

or de·mar·ka·tion

[ dee-mahr-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.
2. separation by distinct boundaries:

   line of demarcation.

demarcation

/ ˌdiːmɑːˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of establishing limits or boundaries
2. a limit or boundary
3. 1. a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions
   2. ( as modifier )

      demarcation dispute

4. separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation )

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

1720–30; Latinization of Spanish demarcación (in linea de demarcación line of demarcation, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal) derivative of demarcar to mark out the bounds of, equivalent to de- de- + marcar < Italian marcare < Germanic; mark ¹, -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see mark ¹

Example Sentences

“When Bush was playing football at USC, all Defendants precluded Bush from receiving any financial benefits claiming that certain rules were in place and necessary to promote the NCAA’s principle of ‘amateurism’ and to preserve ‘a clear line of demarcation between intercollegiate athletics and professional sports,’” the lawsuit states.

From Los Angeles Times

While the looming landmark will not have played much on Andy Farrell's mind last week as he devised the gameplan to secure a series split in South Africa, it is hard not to view his 50th game in charge of Ireland as something of a demarcation point in his tenure.

From BBC

It felt like a really good line of demarcation for me of one phase of my career to another.

From Los Angeles Times

The 100-pitch mark has grown into the almost-universal line of demarcation to when a pitcher should come out.

From Seattle Times

He added Beijing is trying to change the status quo with Taiwan through a series of actions, including by ramping up military pressure, conducting information warfare and introducing new flight routes along the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an informal demarcation zone.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation