cordon
Translation
cordon, barrier, line
Examples
Police formed a cordon around the building.
Police formed a cordon around the building.
They had to cordon off the area.
They had to cordon off the area.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) cordon ((around sth.)) A line of police, soldiers, etc. preventing access. A cordon was thrown up around the scene.
to cordon ((sth.)) off To prevent access to an area by surrounding it. The street was cordoned off for the parade.
Similar Words
Synonyms: barrier, line, blockade, perimeter
Etymology
From French 'cordon', meaning 'a small cord or ribbon', used to mark off an area. Related to 'cord'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'cord' or rope used to 'cordon' off a crime scene.