buffer zone

American  

noun

1. a neutral zone or area between two potentially hostile nations, designed to prevent any overt acts of aggression.

2. any area serving to mitigate or neutralize potential conflict.

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buffer zone British  

noun

1. an area lying between two states and providing each with protection from the other

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Etymology

Origin of buffer zone

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

They were trying to create a firebreak, a buffer zone like the bald where there would be nothing for the wildfires to burn.

From Literature

That would likely resemble a previous 1974 nonaggression pact that established a demilitarized buffer zone between the two countries.

From The Wall Street Journal

"An extra 90 minutes a week would allow a wee buffer zone," he says.

From BBC

The supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to explore creating a “buffer zone” outside county offices, prohibiting certain types of “aggressive” solicitation toward people seeking food stamps and cash aid.

From Los Angeles Times

Mangroves have a range of environmental benefits, including storing carbon and helping to mitigate storms by acting as a buffer zone.

From BBC