peace
Americannoun
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the nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
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Often Peace an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism.
the Peace of Ryswick.
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a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations.
Try to live in peace with your neighbors.
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the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security.
He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.
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cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
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freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity.
Has therapy helped you find the peace you’ve been looking for?
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a state of tranquility or serenity.
May he rest in peace.
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a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquility.
the peace of a mountain resort.
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The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon's peace.
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Peace, a comedy (421 b.c.) by Aristophanes.
interjection
verb (used without object)
idioms
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make one's peace with, to become reconciled with.
He repaired the fence he had broken and made his peace with the neighbor on whose property it stood.
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at peace,
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in a state or relationship of nonbelligerence or concord; not at war.
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untroubled; tranquil; content.
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deceased.
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keep the peace, to maintain order; cause to refrain from creating a disturbance.
Several officers of the law were on hand to keep the peace.
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make peace, to ask for or arrange a cessation of hostilities or antagonism.
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hold / keep one's peace, to refrain from or cease speaking; keep silent.
Can you please just hold your peace until I'm done talking?
noun
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the state existing during the absence of war
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( as modifier )
peace negotiations
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(modifier) denoting a person or thing symbolizing support for international peace
peace women
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(often capital) a treaty marking the end of a war
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a state of harmony between people or groups; freedom from strife
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law and order within a state; absence of violence or other disturbance
a breach of the peace
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absence of mental anxiety (often in the phrase peace of mind )
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a state of stillness, silence, or serenity
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in a state of harmony or friendship
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in a state of serenity
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dead
the old lady is at peace now
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to keep silent
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to maintain or refrain from disturbing law and order
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to become reconciled with
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to bring hostilities to an end
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of peace
First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English pes, pese, pece, from Anglo-French pe(e)s, pes and Old French pais, paix, pes, from Latin pāc-, stem of pax “peace, peace treaty, amity”; see origin at pact
Explanation
Peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there’s no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom. In our war-torn world, it seems like there’s not nearly enough peace. However peace can be big and small, seen in entire countries or brief moments. After a war, two countries may sign a peace treaty, agreeing to not fight anymore. Sweden has avoided war since 1814, and enjoys the peace that the lack of conflict brings. When you feel at peace with yourself, you are content to be the person you are, flaws and everything.
Vocabulary lists containing peace
"Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." and "I Have a Dream"
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"Speeches on the Little Rock Nine"
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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.
“Recent developments show that the Gulf states do not want a war in the region, although the current peace remains extremely fragile,” Maybank analysts said in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
"The current crisis could boost the chances of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline being built," said Natasha Kuhrt, lecturer in international peace and security at King's College London.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
Oil prices fell Monday following a report that Iran has submitted its latest 14-point peace plan to Pakistani mediators.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
This impasse “raises concerns over the viability of the fragile cease-fire and casts doubt over the prospects of a peace deal,” Tradu.com’s senior market analyst Nikos Tzabouras says in an email.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
Thirty-three are simply grieving families, who deserve whatever peace they can find.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
