demarcation
|de-mar-ca-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌdiː.mɑrˈkeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌdiː.mɑːrˈkeɪ.ʃən/
boundary setting
Etymology
'demarcation' originates from French, specifically the word 'démarcation,' formed from the prefix 'dé-' (meaning 'off' or 'away') and 'marquer' (to mark).
'demarcation' entered English as a borrowing of French 'démarcation'; the French term itself developed from Old French forms related to 'marquer' and Latin roots for 'mark' or 'boundary.'
Initially, it meant 'the action of marking off or distinguishing (something),' and over time it came to be used both for that action and for the resulting 'boundary' or 'dividing line.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a dividing line or boundary between two areas, groups, or concepts.
The demarcation between the two countries is marked by a river.
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Noun 2
the act or process of setting limits or establishing the boundaries of something (i.e., delimitation).
The demarcation of responsibilities clarified who would handle each task.
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Last updated: 2025/12/05 17:35