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

The military is trying to carve out a buffer zone inside Lebanon deep enough to put border communities beyond the militants’ reach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 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

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

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

A few police stand in the buffer zone but not enough of them, it seems, if any real trouble flares up.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee