Zoning
Using damage or CC threat to control space and deny farm or approach.
Zoning is denying an opponent access to an area — a farming spot, a bush, half the lane — purely through the threat of what happens if they walk into it. A mage with strong poke, like Lunox or Valir, zones a melee laner off minions just by standing at max range; the laner either eats chip damage or gives up gold. Zoning is a passive form of control: you don't need to land a hit, you just need the enemy to believe you will.
Related terms
PokeSafe long-range damage used to whittle HP without committing to a fight.Gold LaneThe bottom lane that grants bonus gold per last hit, usually farmed by a marksman.EXP LaneThe top solo lane where fighters farm experience for an early level lead.Last HitLanding the killing blow on a minion, which grants the gold reward.