cease ‧ fire /ˈsiːsfaɪə $ -faɪr/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
an agreement to stop fighting for a period of time, especially so that a more permanent agreement can be made:
a ceasefire agreement
They have called a temporary ceasefire in the region.
⇨ ↑ armistice , ↑ truce
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ peace a situation in which there is no war or fighting:
There has been peace in the region for six years now.
▪ truce an agreement to stop fighting or arguing with each other for a limited period of time:
The rebels have ended a 17-month-old truce.
|
He called for a truce between Israeli and Palestinian forces.
|
There was an uneasy truce between Lily and Stephen at dinner.
▪ ceasefire an agreement to stop fighting for a limited period of time, especially in order to discuss making peace:
The two sides agreed to a ceasefire which would come into force immediately.
▪ armistice a formal agreement to stop fighting a war and to discuss making peace:
The Korean armistice was signed in July 1953.
▪ calm a situation in which there is no violence, argument, or protest:
Attempts by the police to restore calm in the area failed.