ceasefire
SEES-fy-er
/ˈsiːsˌfaɪər/
A temporary suspension of fighting, typically one during which peace talks take place; a truce.
It's a temporary halt in hostilities, often agreed upon by warring parties to allow for negotiations, humanitarian aid, or de-escalation. It's not a full peace treaty.
The story behind the word. The word 'ceasefire' is a compound of 'cease' (from Old French 'cesser', meaning 'to stop, give up') and 'fire' (referring to the firing of weapons). It emerged in the early 20th century, becoming particularly common during and after World War I, as a direct and clear term for the stopping of active combat.
Word relationships
- truce: Truce is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably, though 'ceasefire' specifically emphasizes the stopping of active shooting/bombing.
- armistice: An armistice is a formal agreement to stop fighting, often a precursor to a peace treaty, and can be more long-term than a ceasefire.
- suspension of hostilities: A more formal and general term for stopping fighting.
- warfare: Active fighting.
- conflict: Ongoing dispute or battle.
Commonly confused with
- armistice: A ceasefire is usually a temporary, often informal, halt in fighting; an armistice is a more formal, usually longer-term agreement to stop fighting, often leading to a peace treaty.
Collocations
- declare a ceasefire
- broker a ceasefire
- observe a ceasefire
- violate a ceasefire
- temporary ceasefire
Example sentences
- "After weeks of intense fighting, both sides agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire to allow for the evacuation of civilians and delivery of medical supplies." Reporting on a conflict.
- "Diplomats worked tirelessly to broker a lasting ceasefire, hoping it would pave the way for more comprehensive peace talks." Diplomatic efforts.
Memory hook
It's literally 'ceasing' (stopping) the 'fire' (shooting). Stop Shooting
When not to use
Do not use 'ceasefire' to describe a permanent end to conflict or a peace treaty. It implies a temporary pause.
Fun facts
- The Christmas Truce of 1914, where soldiers on both sides of World War I spontaneously stopped fighting and even exchanged gifts, is a famous example of an unofficial ceasefire.
Related words
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