demarcate
To set the boundaries or limits of something
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to demarcate responsibilities between the two teams to avoid overlap.”
Over coffee
“They demarcated their yard with a new fence last week.”
Why this word
separate
demarcate implies drawing clear boundaries or limits, while separate is vaguer about the method or permanence
divide
demarcate emphasizes marking the distinction itself rather than just creating parts
distinguish
demarcate refers to physical or conceptual boundary-setting, while distinguish focuses on perception of differences
Usage tip
Use when establishing clear boundaries, divisions, or distinctions; emphasizes formal separation.
Etymology
Spanish 'demarcar' from 'de-' (off) + 'marcar' (to mark), ultimately from Germanic 'mark' (boundary)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
circumscribe
To restrict or limit something within bounds
constitute
To make up, form, or compose something; to be equivalent to.
demarcation
A clear boundary or separation between two things
parameter
A boundary or defining characteristic that determines how something operates
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.