I. ˈpēs noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English pes, pees, pais, from Old French pes, pais, from Latin pac-, pax peace; akin to Latin pacisci to agree, contract — more at pact
1.
a. : freedom from civil clamor and confusion : a state of public quiet
peace and order were finally restored in the town
b. : a state of security or order within a community provided for by law, custom, or public opinion — often used with the
a breach of the peace
2. : a mental or spiritual condition marked by freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions : calmness of mind and heart : serenity of spirit
the bitter, restless struggling of the last months gave way to peace — Rose Macaulay
I have been in perfect peace and contentment; I never have had one doubt — J.H.Newman
a peace of mind because you could no longer be surprised — Stuart Cloete
farewell and peace be with you
— compare peace of god
3.
a. : a tranquil state of freedom from outside disturbance and harassment
decided to accept a year-round post … and have peace to write — Newsweek
now remembered sharply the peace and quiet of the place — Sherwood Anderson
b. : eternal repose
may he rest in peace
4. : harmony in human or personal relations : mutual concord and esteem
he knew that there would never be peace again while they lived — Graham Greene
5.
a.
(1) : a state of mutual concord between governments : absence of hostilities or war
he had given the world peace , and the world now turned to him for security — John Buchan
(2) : the period of such freedom from war
a peace of 50 years
b. : a pact or agreement to end hostilities or to come together in amity between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity or dissension : a formal reconciliation between contending parties ; especially : a peace treaty
signed peace in the spring of 1918 — C.E.Black & E.C.Helmreich
offered the possibility of a negotiated peace — New York Times
6. : absence of activity and noise : deep stillness : quietness
the peace of the woods
the peace of sky and mountain
7. : one that makes, gives, or maintains tranquillity
God is our only peace
•
- at peace
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English peesen, from pes, pees, pais peace (n.)
: to become quiet or still : be, become, or keep silent
when the thunder would not peace at my bidding — Shakespeare
— often used interjectionally