combat zone

American  

noun

1. Military. an area in a theater of operations where combat forces operate, extending typically from the front line to the communications zone.

2. Slang. an area in some cities, usually in an older midtown section, where pornography stores, striptease bars, etc., flourish, or are tolerated because of being concentrated in one district.

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Etymology

Origin of combat zone

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

At a workshop for the 79th brigade, engineers who previously made only aerial remote-controlled drones are now tasked with upgrading unmanned ground vehicles for use in combat zones.

From BBC

“It is unacceptable to send someone wearing our nation’s uniform to a combat zone with one hand tied behind his back,” Mr. DeSantis writes.

From New York Times

Unlike those sessions, prearranged by Ukrainian officials in Western Ukraine, this meeting was hastily organized at the front within hours of the men being taken into custody in the combat zone.

From Washington Post

Putin told Shoigu that Russia should help would-be volunteers to “move to the combat zone” and contrasted them with what he called foreign “mercenaries” fighting for Ukraine.

From Washington Times

Beau’s unit was activated in 2008 and he spent a year in Iraq, seven months in a combat zone.

From Washington Post