non-aggression pact

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An agreement between two or more countries or groups to refrain from attacking each other or engaging in hostile actions. This pact is a formal, often bilateral or multilateral treaty designed to reduce tension and prevent armed conflict.
    • Example: The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact was a famous non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Usage Examples
  • (A formal agreement to avoid military conflict.)
  • (The agreement was in place, but trust was limited.)
  • (A preliminary peacemaking measure.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to violate a non-aggression pact": to break the terms of the agreement by attacking the other party.
    • The invasion was a clear violation of the non-aggression pact they had signed. (The attack contradicted the treaty.)
  • "to negotiate a non-aggression pact": to discuss and draft the terms of such an agreement.
    • Diplomats spent months negotiating a non-aggression pact between the rival states. (The process of creating the treaty.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Non-aggression (n): the principle or policy of refraining from aggression.
    • The country's foreign policy is based on non-aggression. (A commitment to avoid attack.)
  • Non-aggressive (adj): not inclined to attack or start conflicts.
    • The non-aggressive stance of the smaller nation helped avoid war. (Peaceful and defensive.)
Synonyms
  • Pact of peace: a formal agreement to maintain peace.
  • Treaty of non-aggression: a more formal term for the same concept.
  • Mutual defense treaty (antonym): an agreement to defend each other, which implies potential aggression.
Related Idioms
  • "to keep the peace": to maintain a state of non-aggression.
    • The non-aggression pact helped both sides keep the peace for a decade. (Maintain peaceful relations.)
  • "to beat swords into plowshares": to convert military resources into peaceful ones; often associated with the spirit of a non-aggression pact.
    • After signing the non-aggression pact, the former enemies began to beat swords into plowshares. (Transition to peaceful development.)
Phrasal Verbs (Note: This word is a noun phrase; no phrasal verbs are directly formed with it, but related verbs include)
  • Sign into (a pact): to formally approve and commit to the agreement.
    • The leaders signed into the non-aggression pact with great ceremony. (They made it official.)