combat zone

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of combat zone¹

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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Barron's

An Israeli military spokesman warned Palestinians on Saturday morning that the area around Gaza City remains a dangerous combat zone and that staying poses a significant risk.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal