cease-fire
UK: ˈsiːs.faɪə | US: ˈsiːs.faɪər
n. a temporary suspension of fighting, typically agreed upon by opposing parties in a conflict
The term "cease-fire" combines "cease," derived from Old French cesser (to stop, from Latin cessare), and "fire," referring to the act of discharging weapons. The compound emerged in military contexts during the 19th century to denote a halt in active combat. The logic is straightforward: "cease" signals the stoppage, while "fire" represents the ongoing conflict. Historically, it evolved from literal battlefield pauses to broader diplomatic agreements.
The two nations agreed to a 48-hour cease-fire to evacuate civilians.
Violations of the cease-fire led to renewed hostilities.
Mediators urged both sides to uphold the cease-fire terms.
The UN brokered a cease-fire after weeks of negotiation.
A fragile cease-fire allowed aid to reach the war-torn region.