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

"Even if Israel sets up a buffer zone, we won't leave. Let them bury us here," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The pact, brokered by the U.S. and France, required the creation of a buffer zone south of Lebanon’s Litani River and Hezbollah’s disarmament.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

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

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

San Jose Mogote seems to have transplanted itself to Monte Alban, in the middle of the buffer zone.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann