Cordon

/ˈkɔːrdən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to or from an area.

The police set up a cordon around the crime scene to restrict access.

A decorative ribbon or cord, often used to secure or adorn something.

The award was presented with a silver cordon attached to the certificate.

verb

To surround or blockade an area with a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards.

Authorities cordoned off the building during the bomb threat.

From French 'cordon', meaning cord or ribbon.

cordon off

To keep an area closed or restricted to access.

cordon sanitaire

A quarantine line to prevent the spread of disease.

cordon bleu

A term for a chef of high standard; French for 'blue ribbon'.

cord

A flexible, thin rope or string.

cordless

Without a cord or wire.

To restrict access or movement.

They cordoned off the area after the incident.

To set up barriers during an event.

The event organizers cordoned the area for VIPs.