demarcation

Or de·mar·ka·tion

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.

2. separation by distinct boundaries.

   line of demarcation.

demarcation

/ ˌdiːmɑːˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of establishing limits or boundaries

2. a limit or boundary

3. 1. a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions

   2. ( as modifier )

      demarcation dispute

4. separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation )

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

1720–30; Latinization of Spanish demarcación (in linea de demarcación line of demarcation, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal) derivative of demarcar to mark out the bounds of, equivalent to de- de- + marcar < Italian marcare < Germanic; mark ¹, -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of demarcation¹

C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see _mark ¹

Example Sentences

The source pointed to the demarcation line between North and South Korea, where a ceasefire had lasted for years with a powerfully armed, allied American deployment serving as a signal to North Korea.

From BBC

The easy demarcation line for Ohtani this year has been before and after he returned to pitching in mid-June, with offensive production dropping even as his stuff has ticked up on the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

“But yeah, there’s a certain line of demarcation when Max is not in the lineup, what happens to our offense.”

From Los Angeles Times

In hindsight, the demarcation line couldn’t have been more clear.

From Los Angeles Times

He has brought 23 Spanish coaches to Villa's Bodymoor Heath training headquarters, all working within strict demarcation - while the bond with old Sevilla ally, president of football operations Monchi, is vital.

From BBC

Related Words

• delimitation 
• separation