neutral zone
US /ˈnuː.trəl ˌzoʊn/
UK /ˈnuː.trəl ˌzoʊn/
1.
an area or region where no fighting or military activity is allowed, especially between opposing forces
:
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The two armies agreed to establish a neutral zone to prevent further conflict.
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Crossing the neutral zone without permission is strictly forbidden.
2.
in sports, an area on the playing field that is not controlled by either team, often used for strategic purposes
:
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The puck was loose in the neutral zone, and both teams scrambled to gain possession.
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The coach emphasized the importance of controlling the neutral zone in hockey.