war zone

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of war zone¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

"It's like a war zone," Ms Hammar, 57, says about her street.

From BBC

He accused the administration of creating a "war zone" to rationalise the response.

From BBC

Having escaped the war zone, he settled in Armenia's southern province of Syunik just when it became a new hotspot between the two neighbours.

From BBC

European immigration officials had repeatedly ruled that their home city of Basra, in southern Iraq, was no longer a war zone and their requests for asylum were all declined.

From BBC

The two-year conflict between Robert “Fish” Amiryan and Ara Artuni at times turned suburban streets in the San Fernando Valley into war zones, federal authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times