Definition

1. Noun:
   • A temporary suspension of active hostilities, especially a formal agreement between opposing forces to stop fighting for a specific period: A "cease-fire" is a halt in fighting, typically arranged by mutual consent, to allow for negotiations, humanitarian aid, or to create a period of calm.

Usage

• A "cease-fire" is a formal or informal agreement. It is often negotiated by political or military leaders and can be local or widespread.
• It is commonly used in contexts of war, armed conflict, or intense civil unrest.
• The word is often hyphenated, though the unhyphenated form "ceasefire" is also standard.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The United Nations brokered a 72-hour cease-fire to allow civilians to evacuate the city.
  • Both sides have violated the cease-fire agreement multiple times.
  • The general ordered an immediate cease-fire along the entire front.

Advanced Usage

• "to declare a cease-fire": to formally announce a halt to fighting.
  • The rebel group declared a unilateral cease-fire.
• "to broker/negotiate a cease-fire": to act as an intermediary to arrange a halt to fighting.
  • Diplomats worked tirelessly to broker a cease-fire.
• "to hold/maintain a cease-fire": to continue respecting the agreement to stop fighting.
  • Despite tensions, the cease-fire has held for three weeks.
• "to break/violate a cease-fire": to resume fighting before the agreed period ends.
  • Any attempt to break the cease-fire will have serious consequences.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceasefire (n): An alternative spelling of "cease-fire."
• Truce (n): A very close synonym, often implying a temporary agreement to stop fighting. A "cease-fire" can be seen as the action that creates a truce.
• Armistice (n): A formal agreement to stop fighting permanently, typically ending a war. It is more permanent and comprehensive than a temporary cease-fire.
• Cessation of hostilities (n phrase): A more formal term for a stop in fighting.

Synonyms

• Truce
• Armistice
• Suspension of fighting
• Peace agreement (though this often implies a more permanent resolution)

Antonyms

• Hostilities
• Warfare
• Combat
• Fighting

Related Phrases

• Cease-fire line: The demarcation line between forces when a cease-fire is in effect.
  • Troops were ordered to pull back to the cease-fire line.
• Cease-fire agreement: The formal document or terms outlining the conditions of the cease-fire.
  • The details of the cease-fire agreement were published yesterday.

Noun

1. a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms