armistice
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of armistice
First recorded in 1670–80; from French, from Medieval Latin armistitium, equivalent to Latin armi- (combining form of arma “weapons, arms, instruments of war”) + -stitium “a stopping” ( stit- being a variant stem of sistere “to stop,” and modeled on Latin solstitium “solstice”) + -ium neuter of -ius adjective and noun suffix; see origin at arm 2, solstice, stand, -ium
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Explanation
When two sides of a war need a break from killing each other, they agree to an armistice, a temporary battle timeout. An armistice isn’t permanent, but it’s usually a sign that both sides want to give peace a chance. War is exhausting, and sometimes you need an armistice to catch your breath and figure out a more peaceful way to live. The word has two Greek roots: arma which means “weapons,” and stitium which means “stoppage.” When you’re ready to stop using your weapons, it’s time to propose an armistice. Although the word looks like a mouthful, it’s easy to pronounce if you remember that it’s an arm with two rhymes: ARM-iss-tiss.
Vocabulary lists containing armistice
Veterans Day Vocabulary
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November Words
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Southeast Asia - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Other countries have their own days of remembrance, such as Australia’s Anzac Day, the U.K.’s Remembrance Sunday, and France’s Armistice Day.
From Barron's • May 25, 2026
"These, too, are violations of the Armistice Agreement," he said.
From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026
Barton said they would be reused throughout the year for events such as Armistice Day, Christmas and Easter.
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
Few hedge funds have had as turbulent a ride as Armistice over the past few years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025
"The great all-embracing, absolute Armistice, the end of the world!" he said.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
