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.

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Etymology

Origin of war zone

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“It’s a war zone and shipping is being used as leverage. That’s the reality,” said Arsenio Dominguez, its secretary-general.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

He was in Russia for just 45 days before being sent to the war zone.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

To wit: The continued reliance on oil leaves American consumers vulnerable to spikes in the price of gasoline—as might be expected when, for example, the Strait of Hormuz becomes a war zone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

All of the farmers I spoke to acknowledged their problems were tiny next to the suffering of people in the war zone itself.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Also, our lunch table is a war zone—but it’s the silent kind of war zone.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli