truce
TROOSS
/truːs/
An agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting or arguing for a certain time.
A truce is often temporary and does not necessarily mean the conflict is over; it's just a pause.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'treow', meaning 'faith, pledge, or treaty.' It is related to the word 'true.' A truce is essentially a 'pledge' of faith that you will not attack for a while.
Word relationships
- armistice: An armistice is a formal, military-wide agreement; a truce can be local, informal, or personal.
- hostilities: Hostilities refer to the active state of fighting, which a truce pauses.
Commonly confused with
- truth: Truth is a fact or reality; a truce is a cessation of fighting.
Collocations
- call a truce
- temporary truce
- break a truce
Example sentences
- "The Christmas Truce of 1914 saw soldiers from both sides emerge from the trenches to share carols and gifts." History
- "The warring siblings finally called a truce so they could enjoy their grandmother's birthday party." Personal
Memory hook
A truce is a 'true' promise to stop fighting. A pause in the fight.
When not to use
Do not use for a permanent peace treaty; use 'accord' or 'peace treaty' instead.
Fun facts
- The Olympic Truce was a tradition in ancient Greece where all wars were suspended during the Games to allow athletes to travel safely.
Related words
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