zone

zone¹ W3 [zəun US zoun] n

[Date: 1400-1500; : Latin; Origin: zona 'belt, zone', from Greek zone]

a large area that is different from other areas around it in some way

▪ This is a no-parking zone.

▪ San Francisco and Tokyo are both located in earthquake zones.

danger zone

(=an area where it is dangerous to go)

battle/war zone

▪ The south side of the city has virtually become a war zone.

▪ The government has set up a special economic zone to promote private enterprise.

→buffer zone at ↑buffer¹ (3), ↑no-fly zone, ↑time zone

zone ²

zone² v

[T usually passive] AmE

if an area of land is zoned, it is officially kept separate from other land so that it can be used for a particular purpose

▪ The land is currently zoned for residential use.

zone out phr v

to stop paying attention because you are bored or tired, or because you have taken drugs

▪ What? Oh, sorry - I was just zoning out there for a minute.