Okuzeka
International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Conflict & Security

Ceasefire

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

/ˈsiːsfaɪə/nounCore term

In international relations & diplomacy, ceasefire means: An agreement between the sides in an armed conflict to stop fighting, either for a limited time or as a first step towards a lasting peace.

In Turkish: ateşkes

How it is used

A ceasefire is called for, agreed, brokered, declared, observed, extended and violated. It is narrower than a peace agreement and does not settle the underlying dispute. American English also writes 'cease-fire'; 'truce' is a near synonym.

Example sentences

  1. The mediators brokered a ceasefire that came into effect at midnight.

  2. Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

  3. Observers will monitor the ceasefire along the line of contact.

Common collocations

  • agree a ceasefire
  • broker a ceasefire
  • violate the ceasefire
  • ceasefire line
  • fragile ceasefire
  • conflictA serious disagreement or struggle between states or groups, ranging from a political dispute to armed violence; in IR it often means armed conflict.
  • mediationAn effort by a neutral third party, such as a state, organisation or individual, to help the sides in a dispute reach an agreement without imposing a solution.
  • peacekeepingThe use of international military, police and civilian personnel, usually under the UN and with the consent of the parties, to help maintain a ceasefire and support peace after a conflict.
  • escalationAn increase in the intensity, size or danger of a conflict or crisis, for example when one side's action leads the other to respond more strongly.
  • talksFormal discussions between governments or groups, usually to solve a problem or reach an agreement; in this meaning the word is always plural.

More terms: Conflict & Security

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: