Ceasefire
/ˈsiːsfaɪər/
Definitions
A temporary stopping of fighting, often agreed upon by warring parties.
/ˈsiːsfaɪər/
A temporary suspension of hostilities.
The warring factions agreed to a ceasefire.
💡 Simply: Imagine two teams fighting in a game, and suddenly they agree to stop for a while. That's a ceasefire! It's a pause in the fighting, like a timeout in a sports match, but in a war.
👶 For kids: It's when people fighting stop fighting for a bit.
More Examples
The ceasefire was short-lived; fighting resumed within hours.
How It's Used
"A ceasefire was declared after weeks of intense fighting."
"Negotiators are working to establish a lasting ceasefire in the conflict zone."
From "cease" (to stop) + "fire" (to shoot or fighting). The combined term emerged during military contexts and has since broadened to encompass various conflicts.
The term's usage increased significantly during and after World War I.
Memory tip
Think of 'cease' (to stop) and 'fire' (hostilities).