buffer zone

buffer zone (plural buffer zones)

(military) A neutral area that is located between hostile forces, and is designed to prevent hostilities.
(US) A transitional area between areas of different land use.
(figurative) A conceptual space between two things.
- 1988, Margaret Atwood, Cat's Eye:
  Does she wear glasses with fashionable frames, has she had her lids lifted, does she streak or tint? All of these things are possible: we’ve both reached that borderline age, that buffer zone in which it can still be believed such tricks will work if you avoid bright sunlight.
Synonym of bubble zone (“a perimeter around an abortion facility”).

neutral area

area between areas of different land use

English