demarcation

American  

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn] / ˌdi mɑrˈkeɪ ʃən /

Or demarkation

noun

1. the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.

2. separation by distinct boundaries.

   line of demarcation.

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demarcation British  

/ 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 )

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Etymology

Origin of demarcation

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

Example Sentences

“That was the demarcation line for me,” he said in September.

From Los Angeles Times

Our love for the sport and the fact that we can actually beat the best the world has to offer, cuts through every imaginary demarcation line.

From Seattle Times

There had to be a line of demarcation at some point, and unfortunately Mboma and Masilingi were on the wrong side.

From BBC

“The conventional demarcation line between life and death, that the demise of the body represents an absolute end to life — we prefer to focus on the soul’s next stage,” Rabbi Shmotkin said.

From New York Times

The coming weeks could serve as a clear point of demarcation — before enforcement and after.

From New York Times

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation