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

It comes as thousands have protested at the UN's annual climate conference, with some carrying signs reading "demarcation now".

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Some carried signs reading "demarcation now", calling for indigenous groups to be given legal ownership of their territories.

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There are no demarcations along this part of the line yet - a soldier points it out to me, taking bearings from a small patch of sand between the grey crumbs of demolished buildings.

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The Thai-Cambodia conflict flared over a smattering of border temples, contested because of a vague territorial demarcation made by Cambodia's French colonial administrators in 1907.

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Hamas has asked for the precise demarcation of the line.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• delimitation 
• separation