armistice

[ ahr-muh-stis ]

noun

1. a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties; truce:

   World War I ended with the armistice of 1918.

armistice

/ ˈɑːmɪstɪs /

noun

1. an agreement between opposing armies to suspend hostilities in order to discuss peace terms; truce

Other Words From

• post·armi·stice noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of armistice¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from French, from Medieval Latin armistitium, equivalent to Latin armi- (combining form of arma “weapons, arms, instruments of war”) + -stitium “a stopping” ( stit- being a variant stem of sistere “to stop,” and modeled on Latin solstitium “solstice”) + -ium neuter of -ius adjective and noun suffix; arm ², solstice, stand, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of armistice¹

C18: from New Latin armistitium, from Latin arma arms + sistere to stop, stand still

Example Sentences

Armistice Day has been marked with two minutes of silence across the UK and in Europe.

From BBC

It marks the time and date when the World War One armistice came into effect.

From BBC

While the Armistice Day tradition began as a way of commemorating those killed in World War One, it is now used to remember all the people killed in wars since then.

From BBC

In Wales, Carmarthenshire County Council said it would illuminate County Hall on Armistice Day evening to "reflect and remember the sacrifices of our armed forces, and all those whose lives have been lost in conflict and acts of terror".

From BBC

She added that she was unable to attend an Armistice Day event at Stormont later on Monday, but that other Sinn Féin politicians would take part.

From BBC

Related Words

• ceasefire
• truce