peacekeeper
UK: ˈpiːskiːpə | US: ˈpiːskiːpər
n. a person or organization that works to maintain peace, especially in conflict zones
n. (military) a soldier or force deployed to monitor or enforce ceasefires or treaties
The word "peacekeeper" is a compound of "peace" (from Old French pais, Latin pax) and "keeper" (from Old English cēpan, meaning "to hold or guard"). The suffix "-er" denotes an agent performing the action. Historically, the term emerged in the mid-19th century, initially describing individuals who mediated disputes. By the 20th century, it became associated with military or diplomatic forces (e.g., UN Peacekeepers) tasked with preventing conflict escalation. The morphemes reflect a direct logic: one who "keeps peace."
The UN deployed peacekeepers to monitor the ceasefire.
She worked as a peacekeeper in the war-torn region.
Local elders acted as peacekeepers between rival clans.
The peacekeeper’s role is to protect civilians during conflicts.
Without impartial peacekeepers, negotiations often fail.