war zone

American  

noun

1. (during wartime) a combat area in which the rights of neutrals are suspended, as such an area on the high seas, where ships flying a neutral flag are subject to attack.

---

Etymology

Origin of war zone

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

war zone

We see how growing up in a war zone and taking on the responsibility of his family’s future shaped him and how he fuels his drive with anger and resentment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

But the continuing outbreak is in an active war zone where community mistrust persists and the healthcare system is creaking, and responders haven’t had much success.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Well, for the first century of our republic, the border was a literal war zone.

From Slate ● Jul. 3, 2026

"I didn't tell my wife I was in the war zone," he said, speaking back in India.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Many were triaged in the war zone and then treated at a military medical facility in Landstuhl, Germany, before being flown to the United States.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama