WordGarden.ioceasefire
Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈiːsfaɪə/
US
- /ˈsisˈfaɪər/
Meanings
Noun
a temporary halt in fighting, often under an agreement
a pause in an argument, feud, or rivalry
Beyond the definition
Imagine two sides locked in a fierce argument—maybe even a battle! A ceasefire is like hitting the pause button on that conflict. It's an agreement to stop fighting, usually temporarily, allowing for talks or humanitarian aid to reach those affected. Ceasefires aren't the same as peace treaties; they're more like a breathing space in the middle of war. You might hear about ceasefires announced after intense battles, offering a glimmer of hope amid chaos. Think of it as a temporary truce—a chance to step back from the brink before things escalate further. Sometimes, a ceasefire can be fragile and easily broken, but it's often a crucial first step toward lasting peace.
A ceasefire is a temporary suspension of fighting between opposing sides in a conflict. It can be a formal agreement—often negotiated through diplomatic channels—to halt hostilities for a specific period or until certain conditions are met, but it can also be an informal arrangement or even a unilateral announcement. While not the same as a peace treaty, which aims for a lasting resolution, a ceasefire provides an opportunity to de-escalate tensions and create space for dialogue.
The context of usage is almost always related to armed conflict—wars, civil unrest, or even smaller skirmishes. You'll often hear about "calls for a ceasefire" from international organizations like the United Nations, urging warring parties to lay down their arms. A ceasefire might be implemented to allow humanitarian aid (food, medicine, and shelter) to reach civilians caught in the crossfire, or to facilitate negotiations between the conflicting sides.
However, ceasefires are notoriously difficult to maintain. They can be broken by either side if they feel the terms aren't being respected, or if one party believes they have a strategic advantage. A "violation of the ceasefire" means someone has resumed fighting despite the agreement.
For example: "After weeks of intense bombing, both sides finally agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire to allow aid workers access to the besieged city." Or, "Despite the ceasefire, sporadic gunfire was reported near the border." In news and formal writing, you'll also see it used in phrases like "a ceasefire agreement" or "ceasefire talks." The word carries weight—it represents a fragile hope for peace in a world often marred by conflict.
Examples
- 1
Peace agreement
The two sides agreed to a ceasefire after three days of fighting.
- 2
Diplomacy
The UN is trying to broker a ceasefire between the government and the rebels.
- Phrasebroker a ceasefire
help opposing sides reach one
- 3
Humanitarian access
The ceasefire was supposed to last 48 hours so aid workers could enter the city.
- 4
Fragile ceasefire
Residents said the ceasefire felt fragile, with explosions still heard overnight.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Violations
Both armies accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- humanitarian pause
- cessation of hostilities
Contrast
- resumption of fighting
- offensive
Do not confuse
- peace treaty
Used with (collocations)
- broker a ceasefire
- declare a ceasefire
- ceasefire agreement
- ceasefire violation
Word family
Explore
- peace process
- demilitarized zone
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ceasefirenoun
Forms
- ceasefirespluralnoun