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

That route, called the Traffic Separation Scheme, established one 2-mile-wide lane for entering and one 2-mile-wide lane for leaving the Persian Gulf, plus a 2-mile-wide buffer zone.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

"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 city, which sits on the UN-patrolled buffer zone known as the Green Line, is sometimes called the world's last divided capital.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 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

All of these things are possible: we’ve both reached that borderline age, that buffer zone in which it can still be believed such tricks will work if you avoid bright sunlight.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood