demarcate

[ dih-mahr-keyt, dee-mahr-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·mar·cat·ed, de·mar·cat·ing.

1. to determine or mark off the boundaries or limits of:

   to demarcate a piece of property.

2. to separate distinctly:

   to demarcate the lots with fences.

demarcate

/ ˈdiːmɑːˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to mark, fix, or draw the boundaries, limits, etc, of
2. to separate or distinguish between (areas with unclear boundaries)

Derived Forms

• ˈdemarˌcator, noun

Other Words From

• de·marca·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcate¹

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from demarcation

Example Sentences

In a decade of crossing and re-crossing, Papi treated the border and the fences that demarcated it like an exercise in prepositions: He went around it, through it, above it, below it, past it.

From Los Angeles Times

Brazil's president has previously pledged to recognise indigenous land reserves, but the Tupinambás' territory has not yet been formally demarcated by the government.

From BBC

China has accused the Philippines of setting off the hostilities in the disputed waters by encroaching into what it says are its offshore territories, demarcated by 10 dashes on a map.

From Seattle Times

The campfire setting, demarcated with lanterns, suggests a support group.

From Los Angeles Times

“But we didn’t expect it to demarcate only two lands this year.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• delimit
• mark off