Armistice
/ˈɑːr.mɪ.stɪs/noun
A temporary suspension of fighting, especially one agreed between enemies.
Did you know?Armistice is a Latin-built political word from *arma* (“arms, weapons”) + *-stitium* (“a stopping”), so its core image is not peace itself, but weapons being forced into stillness.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
armistitium
“A stopping of arms; a suspension of fighting.”
Late Latin
Latin
armistitium
“A formal pause in armed conflict.”
16th Century
French
armistice
“A truce or cessation of hostilities.”
19th Century
English
armistice
“A temporary suspension of war, especially by agreement.”