ceasefire

/ˈsiːsfaɪər/

temporary stop in fighting

The two countries agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of conflict.

The nations stopped fighting temporarily to negotiate peace.

formal

An agreement to stop fighting for a period of time, often during war.

The UN called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent civilian casualties.

The international organization demanded an urgent halt to hostilities to protect non-combatants.

After three days of negotiations, the warring factions declared a ceasefire.

Following three days of talks, the enemies agreed to pause their fighting.

Often used in political, military, or diplomatic contexts. The duration can range from hours to years.

Collocations

declare a ceasefireto formally announce a stop to fightingviolate a ceasefireto break the agreement to stop fightingceasefire agreementa formal document outlining the terms of the truce

to restart fighting after a truce

Think of 'cease' (stop) + 'fire' (shooting). A ceasefire is when shooting stops.

Use 'ceasefire' only for official or large-scale conflicts (wars, battles). Do not use for personal disagreements.

From Middle English 'ceasen' (to stop) + 'fire' (as in gunfire). First recorded in the 17th century during the English Civil War.

Used in both formal and news contexts. Avoid using for informal situations like arguments between people.

cease

to stop or end

verb

fire

gunfire or shooting

noun

English Dictionary