ceasefire
Agreed stop in fighting
an agreement that people or armies will stop fighting, often for a short time
[side] agree to/sign/observe/break a ceasefire; a ceasefire between [side] and [side]
- The government and rebel forces agreed to a ceasefire after months of fighting.
- A fragile ceasefire came into effect at midnight.
- Aid workers entered the area while the ceasefire was still holding.
- The two armies signed a ceasefire.
- The ceasefire lasted three days.
- Base: ceasefire
- Plural: ceasefires
broker a ceasefire
1Mediate a ceasefire agreement
to help two fighting sides agree to stop fighting
- Regional leaders tried to broker a ceasefire between the rival factions.
- The mediator hopes to broker a ceasefire before the humanitarian convoy arrives.
call for a ceasefire
1Publicly demand a ceasefire
to say publicly that fighting should stop
- The UN secretary-general called for an immediate ceasefire.
- Thousands of protesters gathered to call for a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid.
ceasefire breaks down
1Ceasefire fails
a ceasefire fails and fighting starts again
- The ceasefire broke down after renewed shelling in the north.
- Talks continued, but officials warned that the ceasefire could break down at any time.
ceasefire line
1Boundary separating opposing forces
a line between opposing forces after they agree to stop fighting
- UN observers patrolled the ceasefire line.
- Families on both sides of the ceasefire line have limited contact.
ceasefire talks
1Negotiations about a ceasefire
talks about agreeing to stop fighting
- Ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo on Monday.
- The government sent a delegation to the ceasefire talks.
ceasefire violation
1Breach of a ceasefire
when one side attacks or breaks the rules after agreeing to stop fighting
- Monitors reported several ceasefire violations along the border overnight.
- Each side accused the other of a ceasefire violation after the attack.
humanitarian ceasefire
1Ceasefire for civilian aid
a pause in fighting so civilians can receive help or leave safely
- Aid agencies urged both sides to accept a humanitarian ceasefire so medicine could reach hospitals.
- A 48-hour humanitarian ceasefire allowed thousands of civilians to leave the area.
the ceasefire holds
1Ceasefire continues successfully
the fighting does not start again after a ceasefire begins
- The ceasefire held through the night despite reports of sporadic gunfire.
- Officials said the ceasefire was holding in most parts of the country.