cease-fire
Americannoun
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a cessation of hostilities; truce.
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Military. an order issued for a cease-fire.
Etymology
Origin of cease-fire
First recorded in 1840–50; noun use of verb phrase cease fire
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.
Reopening the strait would more likely come after a cease-fire and through international pressure on Iran, they say.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
The world’s largest cryptocurrency wasn’t quite able to reach the $70,000 mark in recent days despite optimism over a cease-fire and larger moves in other risk assets.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
On Thursday night, President Donald Trump extended his five-day cease-fire due to end on Friday, saying strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure would now be on pause until April 6.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
The focus is on the “viability” of cease-fire talks, with the two sides remaining far apart, NAB’s senior economist Taylor Nugent says in commentary.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
If North Vietnam agreed to a cease-fire and returned the American prisoners of war, Nixon said, he would end the bombing and withdraw the remaining American troops.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
