Ceasefire

noun (chiefly); also used attributively (e.g. "ceasefire agreement"). The two-word form "cease fire" can function as a verb/military command.

/ˈsiːsfaɪə/

A temporary or permanent cessation of fighting agreed upon by opposing forces, often as a precursor to formal peace negotiations; China declared a unilateral ceasefire on 19 November 1962 during the Sino-Indian War, and UN-mandated ceasefires ended the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The negotiated ceasefire, though fragile, created the indispensable diplomatic space in which humanitarian corridors could be opened and a durable political settlement painstakingly pursued.

Synonyms

trucearmisticecessation of hostilitiessuspension of hostilitieslullmoratorium

Antonyms

hostilitieswarfareescalationoffensive

🌱 Word Family

ceasefire (n), ceasefires (n pl), cease fire (v phrase), ceasefire agreement (n compound)

🔡 Root

Old French cesser / Latin cessāre = to stop; + Old English fȳr = fire; English compound first attested c. 1844

📜 Etymology

English compound from cease (from Old French cesser, from Latin cessāre, "to stop") + fire (from Old English fȳr); first attested c. 1844; the compound reflects the military command "cease fire" used to halt shooting.

🧠 Memory Hook

Read it literally: an order to "CEASE FIRE" — stop shooting. The guns fall silent the moment the command is given.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: Wars & Foreign Policy

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