WordGarden.iopeacekeeper
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈiːskiːpə/
US
- /ˈpiˌskipər/
Meanings
Noun
a person, especially a member of a force, who helps maintain peace in a conflict area
a person who calms disputes and keeps harmony in a group
Beyond the definition
A peacekeeper is someone whose job or role is to help stop fighting or keep order in a tense situation. Think of them as the calm voice trying to reason with people who are arguing, or the steady presence that helps keep conflict from getting worse. Many people think first of peacekeepers sent by groups like the United Nations to places affected by war, but the word can also fit someone in everyday life, such as a teacher stopping a fight or a parent trying to settle a dispute between siblings. They are not always successful, and the work can be dangerous, but they try to bring calm where there is conflict.
The term "peacekeeper" evokes images of uniformed soldiers wearing blue helmets, deployed to conflict zones around the world under the auspices of the United Nations. And that is a core meaning – individuals sent to maintain ceasefires, protect civilians, and create conditions for lasting peace in areas ravaged by war. These missions are complex, often involving monitoring borders, disarming combatants, and providing humanitarian aid.
However, "peacekeeper" isn't limited to international military operations. The word broadly describes anyone who actively works to prevent or resolve conflict. This could be a diplomat negotiating treaties, a community leader mediating disputes within their neighborhood, or even an individual intervening in a personal argument before it escalates.
The role of a peacekeeper is often delicate and requires neutrality, patience, and strong communication skills. They aren't necessarily taking sides; they're focused on de-escalation and finding common ground. It's about creating space for dialogue and fostering understanding. Sometimes, peacekeeping involves simply being present – a visible reminder that violence isn't the only option.
The challenges are immense. Peacekeepers often operate in dangerous environments with limited resources, facing threats from all sides. But their work is vital to building a more stable and just world. From global missions to everyday interventions, peacekeepers represent hope for resolution amidst conflict.
Examples
- 1
UN checkpoint
A UN peacekeeper stood at the checkpoint.
- 2
Ceasefire conflict
More peacekeepers were sent to the region after the ceasefire broke down.
- 3
Field service
She served as a peacekeeper in South Sudan for two years.
- 4
Family tension
At home, my brother is the peacekeeper who gets everyone talking again.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Friend argument
I tried to play peacekeeper between my two friends, but they were still angry.
- Phraseplay peacekeeper
try to calm people and stop an argument
See also
Similar
- peacemaker
- mediator
- conciliator
Shades of meaning
- truce monitor
- buffer
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- UN peacekeeper
- peacekeeping force
Word family
- peacekeeping
- peacekeepers
Explore
- ceasefire
- conflict resolution
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- peacekeepernoun