Twilight zone

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A moving line that divides the daylit side and the dark night side of a planetary body.
  2. 2
    A region in which surreal, supernatural, or fantastic events occur. figuratively

    "Oh, I can't talk right now, Duke. I'm in the twilight zone."

  3. 3
    the ambiguous region between two categories or states or conditions (usually containing some features of both) wordnet
  4. 4
    A region or context located in between others and therefore not subject to their norms. broadly, figuratively

    "As to this right, therefore, the people have expressly created a twilight zone, in which neither nation nor state can act."

  5. 5
    the lowest level of the ocean to which light can reach wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    A deteriorating area surrounding a central business district.

    "Geographically speaking, the twilight zone encompasses those areas that lie between the central business district and the first ring of suburban shopping centers, many of which are comparatively obsolete."

  2. 7
    Synonym of mesopelagic zone (“the part of the ocean where there is very minimal light, located below the photic epipelagic zone but above the aphotic bathypelagic zone.”).
Verb
  1. 1
    To put or place into an indeterminate position; to be in an ambiguous, undetermined, or improper context. idiomatic, intransitive, transitive

    "Sometimes I think she's really a gym teacher twilight-zoned into the corridors of government. I'm always surprised to see that it's a gold, clipless Cross pen she's carrying and not a gym whistle."

  2. 2
    To experience or perceive something bizarre or fantastic. idiomatic, intransitive

    "Then a gnome like white haired lady, bent like a human question mark, lurched toward me and asked if I was the mailman. [...] I was Twilight Zoning."

  3. 3
    To cause to daydream or zone out; to cause to lose attention to one's surroundings. idiomatic, transitive

    ""I've been distant and into myself all night," I said. "The kids say I get twilight zoned.""

  4. 4
    To behave or occur in a confusing or unexpected manner. idiomatic, intransitive

    "The service is likely from a bad twilight zone episode. [...] I did get what I required but I had to ask lots of questions as the communication was Twilight Zoning often."

Etymology

Etymology 1

Because such a zone (in the literal sense of the term) is twilit; see twilight § Etymology.

Etymology 2

Because such a zone (in the literal sense of the term) is twilit; see twilight § Etymology.

Etymology 3

From the anthology television series The Twilight Zone, first aired in 1959, whose name was inspired by the astrophysical sense.

Etymology 4

From the anthology television series The Twilight Zone, first aired in 1959, whose name was inspired by the astrophysical sense.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: twilightzone