demarcation

American  

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn] / ˌdi mɑrˈkeɪ ʃən /

Or demarkation

noun

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

2. separation by distinct boundaries.

   line of demarcation.

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demarcation British  

/ 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 )

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Etymology

Origin of demarcation

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

Example Sentences

As a somewhat arbitrary demarcation, ringing in a new year sometimes lacks drama—though not this year.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

The dispute over the exact demarcation of the two countries’ border has its origins in a 1909 map drawn up by Cambodia’s then colonial power France that was later disputed by Thailand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

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 • Sep. 4, 2025

“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 • Jul. 19, 2025

Arrogant and proud to the end, less than one mile from the demarcation line, the SS-HJ passed in a final review before their commander.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation