combat zone

noun

1. Military.,  an area in a theater of operations where combat forces operate, extending typically from the front line to the communications zone.

2. Slang.,  an area in some cities, usually in an older midtown section, where pornography stores, striptease bars, etc., flourish, or are tolerated because of being concentrated in one district.

Word History and Origins

Origin of combat zone¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In recent days, the Israeli military has intensified air and ground assaults on the outskirts of Gaza City, which it has said is a Hamas stronghold and declared a "dangerous combat zone".

From BBC

Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on X on Thursday that "forces are operating in all combat zones day and night for the security of Israel".

From BBC

The IDF said the military would prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the "civilian population outside the combat zones".

From BBC

"The IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones," it said.

From BBC

The GHF system has been widely criticised for forcing vast numbers of people to walk through active combat zones to a handful of sites.

From BBC