ceasefire
B2Formal, political, military, journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
a temporary stoppage of fighting, especially between armies in a war, agreed by both sides.
Any agreed-upon, formal suspension of hostile actions. Can also be used metaphorically for a pause in any intense conflict or argument.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., ceasefire agreement). Implies a formal, negotiated agreement, not just a spontaneous lull in fighting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Slightly higher frequency in UK media due to historical conflicts in Northern Ireland.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in news contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ceasefire (between X and Y)ceasefire (in + conflict/region)ceasefire (on + date/occasion)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold your fire!”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a pause in a corporate dispute.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and conflict studies.
Everyday
Common in news consumption; not typical in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific military/political term with defined legal implications in international law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The general ordered his troops to cease fire immediately.
- Will the militants agree to cease fire?
American English
- The commander commanded his forces to cease fire.
- The rebels refused to cease fire without concessions.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- Both sides signed a new ceasefire agreement.
- The ceasefire terms were broadcast on the radio.
American English
- A new ceasefire deal was reached last night.
- The ceasefire violations were documented by the UN.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two countries agreed to a ceasefire.
- The fighting stopped during the ceasefire.
- The UN is trying to organise a ceasefire between the armies.
- The ceasefire lasted for three days before fighting started again.
- Despite the declared ceasefire, sporadic clashes continued along the border.
- International mediators worked tirelessly to broker a lasting ceasefire.
- The fragile ceasefire hinged on the withdrawal of heavy artillery from the designated zone.
- His report accused both factions of cynically exploiting the ceasefire to regroup their forces.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CEASE' (stop) 'FIRE' (shooting). It literally means to stop firing weapons.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR IS FIRE (to extinguish, to cease). CONFLICT IS A JOURNEY (a ceasefire is a pause).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like 'stopfire'. Correct Russian equivalent is 'прекращение огня' or 'перемирие'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb ('They decided to ceasefire' is incorrect; 'They agreed to a ceasefire' or 'They decided to cease fire' is correct).
- Confusing 'ceasefire' (agreement) with 'peace treaty' (permanent resolution).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common error learners make with the word 'ceasefire'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: ceasefire. The verb phrase is two words: 'cease fire'.
They are often used synonymously. However, 'truce' can be broader and more informal, while 'ceasefire' is specifically military and implies a formal, often negotiated, suspension of active hostilities.
Yes, a 'unilateral ceasefire' is declared by one side only, without an agreement from the opponent.
No. A ceasefire is typically temporary and tactical. A permanent end to a war is a 'peace treaty' or 'peace agreement'.