Truce Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained

Meaning 1：a pause in fighting (truce)

truce 🔊

/truːs/

A short, agreed stop in fighting during a war or argument.

Truce definition illustrated by soldiers shaking hands under a white flag in a war-torn landscape.

a pause in fighting 🔊

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/ə pɔːz ɪn ˈfaɪtɪŋ/

A temporary agreement to stop fighting or arguing, often arranged during wars or disputes.

📁 Category：Warfare & Battle 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'trēow' (faith) through Middle English 'trewes' (peace pledge).

💡 Mnemonic

Truce sounds like 'true peace' – a true pause in a fight.

📖 Example

After hours of arguing, Mom declared a truce and said, "Let's all have some ice cream and calm down." 🔊 After arguing for hours, Mom called for a temporary stop in the conflict by suggesting ice cream to calm everyone.

🔗 Collocations

declare a truce – to formally announce a temporary halt in fighting

call a truce – to request or initiate a pause in conflict

break a truce – to violate the agreement and resume fighting

🔄 Synonyms

ceasefire (n.) – a temporary suspension of active hostilities, typically in warfare

armistice (n.) – a formal agreement to stop fighting, often as a step toward peace

peace agreement (n.) – a pact that ends conflicts and establishes harmony

🚫 Antonyms

war (n.) – a state of armed conflict between nations or groups

conflict (n.) – a serious disagreement or struggle

hostilities (n.) – acts of warfare or aggressive fighting

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Middle English 'trewes', meaning faith or trust, reflecting its origin as a pledge for temporary peace during conflicts.