peacekeeper

[ pees-kee-per ]

noun

1. a person who maintains or restores peace and amity; mediator:

   Mother was the peacekeeper in our family.

2. a soldier, military force, etc., deployed to maintain or restore peace:

   American marines sent abroad as peacekeepers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peacekeeper¹

First recorded in 1570–80; peace + keeper

Example Sentences

In the latest dispute, Israel tells U.N. peacekeepers to leave southern Lebanon to avoid being attacked.

From Los Angeles Times

A Unifil spokesperson accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” firing on its positions and 40 of the nations that contribute troops to Unifil said last week that they “strongly condemn recent attacks” on the peacekeepers.

From BBC

In another, Israeli fire generated a toxic smoke that sickened scores of peacekeepers, the U.N. said.

From Los Angeles Times

Prior to Sunday's incidents, five peacekeepers had been injured in recent days.

From BBC

On Thursday, two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured falling from an observation tower after Israeli tanks fired towards it.

From BBC

Related Words

• arbitrator
• conciliator
• diplomat
• mediator
• negotiator
• pacifist