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

He added that the buffer zone needed to remain to "block the danger of invasion".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

The Turkish authorities have so far avoided the term "buffer zone" but options under review include deploying more troops and expanding technological surveillance systems, the official added.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 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

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

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz