Ceasefire

Definition

The noun "ceasefire" refers to (1) a temporary suspension of fighting by mutual agreement between opposing forces; and (2) the agreement itself to halt hostilities.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈsiːsˌfaɪər/
• Respelling: SEES-fy-er

British English

• IPA: /ˈsiːsfaɪə/
• Respelling: SEES-fy-uh

Etymology

From the verb cease “to stop” (Old French cesser, from Latin cessare) + fire “shooting” (Old English fȳr), first attested in early 20th-century military usage during World War I to denote a halting of hostilities.

Derivatives

• Ceasefires (plural noun)

Synonyms

• Truce
• Armistice
• Suspension of hostilities

Antonyms

• Resumption of fighting
• Continuation of hostilities
• Outbreak (of conflict)

Usage

"Both sides declared a ceasefire at dawn," and "The ceasefire held for two weeks without incident."

Related Terms

• Truce: A mutual agreement to stop fighting, often shorter or less formal than an armistice.
• Armistice: A formal agreement to end hostilities, typically preceding a peace treaty.
• Peace agreement: A negotiated settlement officially ending a conflict.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A temporary suspension of fighting by mutual agreement: Indicates a pause in hostilities, often to allow negotiation or humanitarian aid.
  • Example: "After heavy fighting, the commanders agreed to a ceasefire to evacuate the wounded."
• The agreement itself to halt hostilities: The formal or informal pact executed by opposing parties.
  • Example: "The ceasefire signed yesterday included clauses for prisoner exchanges."