Definition

Noun: 1. A temporary agreement to stop fighting or arguing: A truce is a formal or informal suspension of hostilities between opposing parties, allowing for a pause in conflict, often to enable negotiations. 2. A brief period of peace or quiet in a dispute: It can also refer to a short interruption in any quarrel or contentious activity.

Usage

A "truce" is used to describe a halt in active conflict. It is often negotiated and implies a temporary, not permanent, cessation. - It is commonly used in military, political, and personal contexts. - It is often followed by prepositions like "between" (the parties) or "in" (the conflict).

Examples

• Military Context:

  • The two armies declared a 24-hour truce to evacuate the wounded.
  • After months of fighting, the warring factions finally agreed to a truce.

• Personal/Figurative Context:

  • The siblings called a truce in their argument over the remote control.
  • Let's have a truce from this debate until after lunch.

Advanced Usage

• "To call/declare a truce": To formally announce or agree to a temporary stop in fighting or arguing.

  • The leaders met to call a truce and begin peace talks.

• "An uneasy/ fragile truce": A truce that is likely to be broken easily because of ongoing tension or distrust.

  • An uneasy truce held between the rival gangs for a few weeks.

• "Truce breaker": (Less common) A person or party that violates the terms of a truce.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceasefire (n): A more formal, often military, suspension of fighting. It is a close synonym but can imply a more structured agreement than "truce."
• Armistice (n): A formal agreement to stop fighting permanently, typically used in the context of war. It is more permanent than a truce.
• Moratorium (n): A temporary prohibition of an activity. While similar in concept of a pause, it is not specific to conflict (e.g., a moratorium on construction).

Synonyms

• Cessation of hostilities: A formal term for stopping fighting.
• Respite: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. This is a broader term that can include a truce.
• Lull: A temporary pause in activity, often in fighting or noise.

Antonyms

• Conflict: A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
• Hostilities: Acts of warfare; fighting.
• Warfare: Engagement in or the activities involved in war or conflict.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Flag of truce": A white flag indicating a request for a truce or a desire to communicate or surrender.

  • The soldier approached carrying a flag of truce.

• "Truce to (something)!": (Archaic/Literary) An exclamation asking for a temporary stop to an activity, especially joking or arguing.

  • "Truce to this bickering!" he shouted.

Noun

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