armistice
Americannoun
noun
Other Word 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
Compare meaning
How does armistice compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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
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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.
"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
Armistice owned a large portfolio of warrants, or the right to buy shares in the future at a set price, in volatile biotech companies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025
In the years following, Americans honored the anniversary of the ceasefire by celebrating Armistice Day.
From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025
After the Armistice he tried frantically to get home but some complication or misunderstanding sent him to Oxford instead.
From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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.
