free-fire zone

American  

[free-fahyuhr] / ˈfriˈfaɪər /

noun

1. an area in which military units have prior clearance to fire at will on any person or object encountered.

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Etymology

Origin of free-fire zone

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The debate stage became a free-fire zone instead, the candidates seizing the moment to call each other out.

From Washington Post • Feb. 7, 2020

I know this places me outside the norms and mores of this era that, where language is concerned, is something of a free-fire zone.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 10, 2019

Meanwhile, the Leveson inquiry has made Morgan's tabloid press a free-fire zone for serious and silly critics alike.

From The Guardian • Oct. 27, 2012

"Abduction": Taylor Lautner's chest gets a movie Writing a review of "Abduction," the new thriller designed as a star vehicle for "Twilight" hunk Taylor Lautner, is pretty much a free-fire zone.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2011

Continues Alito, "There is no reason why a public street in close proximity to the scene of a funeral should be regarded as a free-fire zone."

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2011