war zone

noun

1. (during wartime) a combat area in which the rights of neutrals are suspended, as such an area on the high seas, where ships flying a neutral flag are subject to attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of war zone¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Guam offers a launchpad for U.S. forces to project power deeper into the Pacific in a confrontation with China, but its distance from the U.S. and from potential war zones presents challenges.

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Relatedly, children born in an occupied enemy war zone were categorically exempt.

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Only they have reason to be out and about in a war zone.

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"It's like a war zone," Ms Hammar, 57, says about her street.

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He accused the administration of creating a "war zone" to rationalise the response.

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