armistice
gb/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/ us/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/
C2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C2
abstract
1
Wartime ceasefire agreement
an official agreement to stop fighting in a war for a time.
Usage pattern:
an armistice between [opposing sides]; an armistice with [an enemy]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse an armistice with a peace treaty: an armistice stops the fighting, but it may not legally end the war.
Synonyms
truce (more common and less formal; can be military or personal)
|
ceasefire (often emphasizes stopping shooting or attacks, sometimes without a full political agreement)
|
cessation of hostilities (very formal phrase for the stopping of fighting)
|
suspension of fighting (descriptive phrase emphasizing a pause rather than the agreement itself)
Antonyms
war (the state of armed conflict that an armistice pauses)
|
hostilities (active acts of fighting or aggression)
|
resumption of fighting (the return to combat after a pause)
Collocations
sign an armistice
|negotiate an armistice
|agree to an armistice
|declare an armistice
|violate an armistice
|break an armistice
|extend an armistice
|a formal armistice
|a temporary armistice
|armistice terms
Themes
war
|diplomacy
|politics
|history
|law
Examples
- The two sides signed an armistice after months of negotiations.
- The armistice stopped the fighting but did not settle the border dispute.
- Under the armistice, both armies had to withdraw from the city.
Learner examples
- The countries agreed to an armistice.
- An armistice is not the same as a peace treaty.
Noun
formal
C2
abstract
2
Temporary truce in disagreement
a temporary stop to an argument or competition.
Usage pattern:
an armistice between [people/groups]
Common mistake:
In everyday disagreements, truce is usually more natural and common than armistice.
Synonyms
truce (more common in everyday speech)
|
ceasefire (often used figuratively in politics or public arguments)
|
pause (more general and does not necessarily imply agreement)
|
détente (a reduction of tension, especially between political groups or countries)
Antonyms
feud (a continuing bitter disagreement)
|
conflict (active opposition or disagreement)
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rivalry (ongoing competition rather than a pause in it)
Collocations
call an armistice
|declare an armistice
|a temporary armistice
|an uneasy armistice
|a brief armistice
|a fragile armistice
|a political armistice
|an armistice between rivals
Themes
conflict
|relationships
|politics
|workplace
Examples
- After weeks of public criticism, the party leaders reached a brief armistice.
- The neighbors called an armistice while the building repairs were underway.
- The armistice between the two departments lasted only until the next budget meeting.
Learner examples
- The brothers agreed to a short armistice.
- The armistice ended when they started arguing again.
Grammar
Dictionary form
armistice
IPA
GB/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/
US/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/
Syllables & stress
armistice (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (armistice)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: armistice
- Plural: armistices
Expressions
armistice day
1/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs dˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
November 11 remembrance day
a day on November 11 that remembers the end of fighting in World War I and honors people who died in wars.
Examples
- The town holds a ceremony on Armistice Day every year.
- Armistice Day marks the end of major fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918.
- Many people wear poppies around Armistice Day.
armistice line
1/ˈɑɹmɪstɪs lˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
technical
Post-armistice demarcation line
a line that separates enemy forces after they agree to stop fighting.
Examples
- Troops withdrew to positions behind the armistice line.
- The armistice line became a heavily guarded frontier.
- Villages near the armistice line remained under military control.
call an armistice
1/kˈɔl ən ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
agree to stop conflict
to decide to stop fighting or arguing for a while.
Examples
- The warring factions called an armistice to allow aid convoys through.
- Can we call an armistice and finish the project together?
- The candidates effectively called an armistice during the national emergency.
the armistice
1/ðə ˈɑɹmɪstɪs/
fixed phrase
World War I ceasefire
the agreement that stopped the fighting in World War I in 1918.
Examples
- The Armistice was signed in a railway carriage in northern France.
- After the Armistice, soldiers and civilians faced the long process of rebuilding.
- The museum has letters written in the weeks before the Armistice.