combat zone

American  

noun

1. Military. an area in a theater of operations where combat forces operate, extending typically from the front line to the communications zone.

2. Slang. an area in some cities, usually in an older midtown section, where pornography stores, striptease bars, etc., flourish, or are tolerated because of being concentrated in one district.

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Etymology

Origin of combat zone

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

At a workshop for the 79th brigade, engineers who previously made only aerial remote-controlled drones are now tasked with upgrading unmanned ground vehicles for use in combat zones.

From BBC

British troops are not going into Gaza, as it currently stands, and they are not being sent into a combat zone.

From BBC

While physical interception is required in a combat zone, it may not be the best approach when dealing with drones hovering over a crowded stadium or a nuclear power plant, said Strobel.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to one soldier in the area who wished to remain anonymous, rotating troops has become even more dangerous than having them stay in the combat zone.

From Barron's

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the navy had told the flotilla to change course as it was "approaching an active combat zone".

From BBC