— peaceless , adj. — peacelessness , n. — peacelike , adj.
/pees/ , n., interj., v., peaced, peacing .
n.
1. the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
2. ( often cap. ) 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.
3. a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.
4. 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.
5. cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
6. freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
7. a state of tranquillity or serenity: May he rest in peace.
8. a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity: the peace of a mountain resort.
9. silence; stillness: The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon's peace.
10. ( cap., italics ) a comedy (421 B.C.) by Aristophanes.
11. at peace ,
a. in a state or relationship of nonbelligerence or concord; not at war.
b. untroubled; tranquil; content.
c. deceased.
12. hold or keep one's peace , to refrain from or cease speaking; keep silent: He told her to hold her peace until he had finished.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. make peace , to ask for or arrange a cessation of hostilities or antagonism.
interj.
16. (used to express greeting or farewell or to request quietness or silence).
v.i.
17. Obs. to be or become silent.
[ 1125-75; ME pes pais pax (s. pac- ); akin to PACT ]
Syn. 2. armistice, truce, pact, accord. 3. rapport, concord, amity. 6. calm, quiet.
Ant. 6. insecurity, disturbance.