Word
armistice
US/ˈɑɹməstəs/
UK/ˈɑːmɪstɪs/
Definitions
01agreement to stop fighting
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. a formal agreement between groups or countries to stop fighting a war.
n. a formal agreement, typically between nations or military forces, to suspend active combat operations.
“The two countries finally signed an armistice after years of bitter conflict.”
“The signing of the armistice brought an immediate end to the shelling, though the underlying territorial disputes remained unresolved for decades.”
Usage
often used with the verbs 'sign', 'declare', or 'reach'
Teaching tip
While 'truce' and 'ceasefire' are similar, 'armistice' is more formal and usually implies a high-level political agreement.
Synonyms
02the end of World War I
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the specific agreement that ended the fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918.
n. the specific historical agreement signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918; often used as a proper noun.
“Every year, people gather to remember the soldiers who died before the Armistice was signed.”
“The news of the Armistice reached the front lines within hours, sparking spontaneous celebrations among soldiers who had endured years of trench warfare.”
Usage
often capitalized as 'the Armistice'
Teaching tip
In many English-speaking countries, this specific event is the reason for 'Remembrance Day' or 'Veterans Day'.
Real-World Examples
“Last week, South Korea's president proposed talks with its northern neighbour on officially ending the war between the two that is technically still active since an armistice was signed in 1953.” “The conflict between the two occupants of the Korean peninsula has been effectively frozen since an armistice was signed in 1953.” Etymology
From Late Latin armistitium, from Latin arma (“arms, weapons”) + sistēre (from sistō (“to halt, stand still”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- (“to stand up”)) + -ium (suffix forming abstract nouns). The word is cognate with French armistice, Italian armistizio, Portuguese armistício, Spanish armisticio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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