cease-fire

[sees-fahyuhr]

noun

1. a cessation of hostilities; truce.

2. Military.,  an order issued for a cease-fire.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cease-fire¹

First recorded in 1840–50; noun use of verb phrase cease fire

Example Sentences

Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued overnight in parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the proposed cease-fire.

From Salon

Dua Lipa has also made her views on the conflict in Gaza public, and had repeatedly called for a "humanitarian cease-fire".

From BBC

The Kremlin had finally agreed to let a group of Western journalists visit Kabul and Jalalabad to witness the “cease-fire” that had been announced a few days before we arrived.

From Los Angeles Times

He followed this by announcing an Israel-Iran cease-fire agreement that would “go forever.”

From Salon

Even with a tentative cease-fire now in place, achieving an agreement of this sort will not be easy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• armistice 
• ceasefire 
• truce