free-fire zone

American  

[free-fahyuhr] / ˈfriˈfaɪər /

noun

1. an area in which military units have prior clearance to fire at will on any person or object encountered.

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Etymology

Origin of free-fire zone

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

I know this places me outside the norms and mores of this era that, where language is concerned, is something of a free-fire zone.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 10, 2019

Larry said that Laotian civilians would have stayed away from the Ho Chi Minh Trail, knowing it was a free-fire zone.

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2016

"Abduction": Taylor Lautner's chest gets a movie Writing a review of "Abduction," the new thriller designed as a star vehicle for "Twilight" hunk Taylor Lautner, is pretty much a free-fire zone.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2011

The Guardian Angels, an unarmed citizen group, now patrols a tiny portion of this free-fire zone.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2011

Continues Alito, "There is no reason why a public street in close proximity to the scene of a funeral should be regarded as a free-fire zone."

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2011