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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Many residents of Armenia’s border regions have resisted the demarcation effort, seeing it as Azerbaijan’s encroachment on areas they consider their own.

From Seattle Times

There was no line of demarcation between Richard onstage and off.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, the plans could lead into a demarcation of the land border between Lebanon and Israel, following the maritime border deal reached in 2022.

From Seattle Times

Both sides accused the other of breaching a peace agreement signed in the Caribbean in December to ease tensions over border demarcation lines.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation