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; see mark ¹, -ation

Explanation

A demarcation is a line, boundary, or other conceptual separation between things. Geographically, a demarcation might be the border that separates two countries or the river that divides two regions. Demarcation comes from the German word for mark. Although it's often used as a term regarding geographical borders and boundaries, it can also be used to describe lines between categories or groups. For example, a definite demarcation exists between people who love the Boston Red Sox and those who love the New York Yankees.

Example Sentences

There are occasional verbal exchanges between U.S. soldiers and their North Korean counterparts, often businesslike, at the Demarcation Line in the village.

From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2023

The soldier was on a tour of the Panmunjom truce village in the JSA with a group of visitors when he crossed the line marking the Military Demarcation Line border, U.S. officials say.

From Reuters • Jul. 19, 2023

"Demarcation is important, because it is not only a social issue, but also a spiritual, traditional and cultural issue," said Jurandir Karai Djekupe, a Guarani Mbya leader from the north of São Paulo.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2023

Michael Wald, a wilderness guide, was paddling recently in Demarcation Bay on the Beaufort Sea coast.

From Washington Post • Jul. 31, 2019

Demarcation, Demarkation, de-mark-ā′shun, n. the act of marking off or setting bounds to: division: a fixed limit.—v.t.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation