If countries or groups involved in a war or violent conflict are discussing peace, they are talking to each other in order to try to end the conflict.
Peace talks broke up without agreement last week.
Leaders of some rival factions signed a peace agreement last week.
They hope the treaty will bring peace and stability to the region.
Synonyms: truce, ceasefire, treaty, armistice More Synonyms of peace
2. uncountable noun [oft atNOUN]
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
The President spoke of a shared commitment to world peace and economic development.
...the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. uncountable noun [usually NOUN noun]
If you disapprove of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, you can use peace to refer to campaigns and other activities intended to reduce their numbers or stop their use.
Two peace campaigners were accused of causing damage to an F1 11 nuclear bomber.
He campaigned for peace and against the spread of nuclear weapons.
4. uncountable noun [oft inNOUN]
If you have peace, you are not being disturbed, and you are in calm, quiet surroundings.
All I want is to have some peace and quiet.
One more question and I'll leave you in peace.
Synonyms: stillness, rest, quiet, silence More Synonyms of peace
5. uncountable noun [oft atNOUN]
If you have a feeling of peace, you feel contented and calm and not at all worried. You can also say that you are at peace.
I had a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity when I saw him.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
I know you will never be at peace until you have discovered where your brother is.
6. uncountable noun [oft inNOUN]
If there is peace among a group of people, they live or work together in a friendly way and do not quarrel. You can also say that people live or work in peace with each other.
...a period of relative peace in the country's industrial relations.
If you can't live in peace with your little brother then get out of the house.
Synonyms: harmony, accord, agreement, concord More Synonyms of peace
7. countable noun
ThePeace of a particular place is a treaty or an agreement that was signed there, bringing an end to a war.
[old-fashioned]
The Peace of Ryswick was signed in September 1697. [+ of]
8. See also breach of the peace, Justice of the Peace
9.
See to hold your peace
10.
See to keep the peace
11.
See to keep the peace
12.
See make (one's) peace
13.
See peace of mind
14.
See to rest in peace
15.
See at peace with
16. to disturb the peace
More Synonyms of peace
peace in British English
(piːs)
noun
1.
a.
the state existing during the absence of war
b.
(as modifier)
peace negotiations
2. (modifier)
denoting a person or thing symbolizing support for international peace
peace women
3. (often capital)
a treaty marking the end of a war
4.
a state of harmony between people or groups; freedom from strife
5.
law and order within a state; absence of violence or other disturbance
a breach of the peace
6.
absence of mental anxiety (often in the phrase peace of mind)
7.
a state of stillness, silence, or serenity
8. at peace
9. hold one's peace
10. keep the peace
11. make one's peace with
12. make peace
verb
13. (intransitive) mainly obsolete
to be or become silent or still
Word origin
C12: from Old French pais, from Latin pāx
peace in American English
(pis)
noun
1.
freedom from war or a stopping of war
2.
a treaty or agreement to end war or the threat of war
3.
freedom from public disturbance or disorder; public security; law and order
4.
freedom from disagreement or quarrels; harmony; concord
5.
an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity
: in full peace of mind
6.
calm; quiet; tranquillity
verb intransitive
7.
to be or become silent or quiet
obs. except in the imperative
Idioms:
at peace
hold one's peace
keep the peace
make one's peace with
make peace
Word origin
ME pais < OFr < L pax (gen. pacis) < IE base *pak-, to fasten > fang, L pacisci, to confirm an agreement, pangere, to fasten
COBUILD Collocations
peace
ensure peace
lasting peace
promote peace
secure peace
world peace
Examples of 'peace' in a sentence
peace
This could risk destabilising the peace process.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is a commitment to keep trying to bring peace to my country.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This will give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong before your trip.
The Sun (2017)
Rest in peace bro and look after my dad up there!
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Looking for peace and quiet in the bedroom?
The Sun (2016)
Previous peace efforts ended in failure.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Under the terms of the peace deal, their crimes were forgiven.
The Sun (2016)
Using the Nobel prize as an incentive to make peace in the future does not always work.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
To say peace building and the environment are one, and women empowerment is essential.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
Ring meets fiery end and peace is restored.
The Sun (2015)
The window was open and he looked at peace at last.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Why not a series on relationships or finding peace?
Christianity Today (2000)
It gives people certainty and peace of mind going into their marriage.
The Sun (2010)
Will the peace process go with it?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
His purpose was to restore peace and freedom.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You will still have the peace of mind of the manufacturer warranty.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Unions last night demanded the exec sign off a peace deal before quitting.
The Sun (2010)
This will not end with a peace treaty.
The Sun (2014)
What my grandfather needed more than anything was peace and quiet.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There is an amazing feeling of peace and calm.
The Sun (2013)
She was arrested for breaching the peace and taken away in handcuffs.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Peace processes thus become sacrosanct and must be kept going at all costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Some people said you have become an international figure of peace.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The message of peace and harmony may be easy to preach.
The Sun (2012)
He has pledged to bring his country to peace by the end of the year.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
More than eight months have passed since the last round of peace talks were suspended.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This is the place to find real peace and tranquillity.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
So the door is open to have some of the key commanders come in to a peace agreement.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
We bring peace to our country.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
So, is he for war and peace?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
I'M pleased that peace talks are going to commence in Afghanistan.
The Sun (2013)
You'd actually get fed up with people giving you peace signs all day.
Shawn Levy READY, STEADY, GO!: Swinging London and the Invention of Cool (2002)
This is not'the final piece in the jigsaw' of the peace process.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Quotations
Peace hath her victories No less renowned than warJohn MiltonSonnet, To the Lord General Cromwell, May 1652
Let him who desires peace, prepare for warVegetiusDe Re Militari
Peace is not the absence of war. Lasting peace is rooted in justiceDavid Trimble
You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he hashis freedomMalcolm XProspects for Peace in 1965
If peace cannot be maintained with honour, it is no longer peaceLord John Russellspeech
In the arts of peace Man is a bunglerGeorge Bernard ShawMan and Superman
the peace of God, which passeth all understandingBible: Philippians
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooksBible: Isaiah
War makes rattling good history; but Peace is poor readingThomas HardyThe Dynasts
He that makes a good war makes a good peaceGeorge HerbertOutlandish Proverbs
peace: in international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fightingAmbrose BierceThe Devil's Dictionary
In other languages
peace
British English: peace /piːs/ NOUN
When there is peace in a country, it is not involved in a war.
...a shared commitment to world peace.
American English: peace
Arabic: سَلَامٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: paz
Chinese: 和平
Croatian: mir
Czech: mír
Danish: fred
Dutch: vrede
European Spanish: paz
Finnish: rauha
French: paix
German: Friede
Greek: ειρήνη
Italian: pace
Japanese: 平穏
Korean: 평화
Norwegian: fred
Polish: cisza
European Portuguese: paz
Romanian: pace
Russian: мир
Latin American Spanish: paz
Swedish: fred
Thai: ความสงบเรียบร้อย
Turkish: barış
Ukrainian: мир
Vietnamese: sự yên tĩnh
All related terms of 'peace'
at peace
in a state of harmony or friendship
make peace
to bring hostilities to an end
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an American organization that sends young people to help with projects in developing countries.
peace envoy
someone sent on a mission to end conflict or bring peace
peace lily
spathiphyllum
peace lobby
a lobby for peace or the end of conflict
peace pipe
a long decorated pipe smoked by Native Americans on ceremonial occasions , esp as a token of peace
Peace River
a river in W Canada , rising in British Columbia as the Finlay River and flowing northeast into the Slave River. Length : 1715 km (1065 miles)
peace sign
a gesture made with the palm of the hand outwards and the index and middle fingers raised in a V
peace talks
negotiating talks (between countries, governments, etc) to end conflict or come to peace
world peace
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
ensure peace
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
king's peace
(in early medieval England) the protection secured by the king for particular people or places
lasting peace
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
peace accord
an official agreement to come to peace or end conflict
peace effort
If you make an effort to do something, you try very hard to do it.
peace garden
a public park that is dedicated to peace
peace-loving
If you describe someone as peace-loving , you mean that they try to avoid quarrelling or fighting with other people.
peace officer
an officer entrusted with maintaining law and order, as a sheriff , constable , or policeman
peace process
A peace process consists of all the meetings , agreements , and negotiations in which people such as politicians are involved when they are trying to arrange peace between countries or groups that are fighting with each other.
peace studies
a field of political science which examines how to reduce conflicts
peace treaty
an agreement to come to peace and end conflict (between governments, countries, etc)
promote peace
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
secure peace
If there is peace in a country or in the world, there are no wars or violent conflicts going on.
peace activist
someone who advocates for peace or an end to conflicts
peace agreement
An agreement is a formal decision about future action which is made by two or more countries, groups, or people.
peace campaign
a campaign for peace or an end to conflict
peace dividend
The peace dividend is the economic benefit that was expected in the world after the end of the Cold War , as a result of money previously spent on defence and arms becoming available for other purposes .
Peace Movement
a movement seeking to end wars and reduce nuclear weapons
peace offensive
an active government campaign for peace or ending conflict
peace offering
You can use peace offering to refer to something that you give someone to show that you want to end the quarrel between you.
at peace with
If you are at peace with yourself or at peace with the world , you feel calm and contented , and you have no emotional conflicts within yourself or with other people.
bird of peace
any of various birds of the family Columbidae, having a heavy body, small head, short legs , and long pointed wings : order Columbiformes. They are typically smaller than pigeons
keep the peace
to maintain or refrain from disturbing law and order
kiss of peace
→ sign of peace : though still sometimes used, kiss of peace is now mainly applied in historical contexts
peace campaigner
someone who campaigns for peace or an end to conflict
peace conference
a conference where representatives of warring governments or countries sign a treaty to end conflict
peace initiative
the first or opening move in negotiating an end to conflict or negotiating peace
peace of mind
If something gives you peace of mind , it stops you from worrying about a particular problem or difficulty .
peace settlement
A settlement is an official agreement between two sides who were involved in a conflict or argument.
pipe of peace
→ UNRESOLVED CROSS REF
sign of peace
the liturgical practice of giving a sign of peace , union , or friendship, as a handshake or embrace , at some point in a Christian service, esp. in a Mass or Communion service
hold one's peace
to keep silent
make (one's) peace
If you make peace with someone or make your peace with them, you put an end to your quarrel with them, often by apologizing.
Peace Garden State
→ the Peace Garden State
Prince of Peace
the future Messiah ( Isaiah 9:6): held by Christians to be Christ
the peace process
negotiations (between governments, countries, ect) towards peace or the resolution of a conflict
to rest in peace
If you express the wish that a dead person may rest in peace , you are showing respect and sympathy for him or her. ' Rest in peace ' or ' RIP ' is also sometimes written on gravestones .
peacetime
Peacetime is a period of time during which a country is not at war.
Partnership for Peace
a subsidiary organization of NATO, comprising former Warsaw Pact countries that wish to be allied with NATO but have not been granted full NATO membership : established in 1994
⇒ He chose to return to the relative peace of his childhood village.他选择回到相对宁静的童年时的村子。 (Tā xuǎnzé huídào xiāngduì níngjìng de tóngnián shí de cūnzi.)
(personal) 平静(靜) (píngjìng)
⇒ the search for this elusive inner peace寻找难得的内心平静 (xúnzhǎo nándé de nèixīn píngjìng)
to be at peace with sb/sth对(對)某人/某事平和处(處)之 (duì mǒurén/mǒushì pínghé chǔ zhī)
to keep the peace[police]维(維)持治安 (wéichí zhì'ān) [ordinary person]守规(規)矩 (shǒu guīju)
All related terms of 'peace'
breach of the peace
( Law ) 扰(擾)乱(亂)治安罪 rǎoluàn zhì'ān zuì
to keep the peace
( police ) 维(維)持治安 wéichí zhì'ān
to be at peace with sb/sth
对(對)某人/某事平和处(處)之 duì mǒurén/mǒushì pínghé chǔ zhī
you'll be able to read in peace here
你可以在这(這)里(裡)安静(靜)地看书(書)。 nǐ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ ānjìng de kànshū
rip
裂口 lièkǒu [ 个(個) gè ]
JP
Justice of the Peace 地方执(執)法官 dìfāng zhífǎguān
to bind sb over (to keep the peace)
保证(證)某人遵守法纪(紀) bǎozhèng mǒurén zūnshǒu fǎjì
1 (noun)
Definition
a treaty marking the end of a war
They hope the treaty will bring peace to the troubled region.
Synonyms
truce
The fighting has given way to an uneasy truce.
ceasefire
treaty
armistice
Finally, they signed an armistice with their longstanding enemy.
pacification
conciliation
cessation of hostilities
Opposites
war
,
warfare
,
hostilities
,
fighting
,
fight
,
battle
, conflict,
hostility
,
strife
,
bloodshed
,
armed conflict
2 (noun)
Definition
stillness or silence
All I want is a bit of peace and quiet.
Synonyms
stillness
rest
a remote part of the valley for those seeking rest and relaxation
quiet
He wants some peace and quiet.
silence
They stood in silence.
calm
the rural calm of Grand Rapids, Michigan
hush
A hush fell over the crowd.
tranquillity
The hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
seclusion
repose
The atmosphere is one of repose.
calmness
peacefulness
quietude
restfulness
3 (noun)
Definition
absence of mental anxiety
People always felt a sense of peace in her company.
Synonyms
serenity
a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity
calm
He felt a sudden sense of calm and contentment.
relaxation
composure
Stopping briefly to regain her composure, she described her ordeal.
contentment
I cannot describe the feeling of contentment that was with me at that time.
repose
She has a great deal of natural repose.
equanimity
He faced his defeat with equanimity.
peacefulness
placidity
harmoniousness
4 (noun)
Definition
harmony between people or groups
a period of relative peace in the country's industrial relations
Synonyms
harmony
a future in which humans live in harmony with nature
accord
I found myself in total accord.
agreement
The talks ended in acrimony rather than agreement.
concord
A climate of concord and tolerance prevails among the two communities.
amity (formal)
Over the past two decades the countries have lived in amity.
idiom
See hold your peace
related words
related adjectiveireniceirenic
Quotations
Peace hath her victories No less renowned than war [John Milton – Sonnet, To the Lord General Cromwell, May 1652]Let him who desires peace, prepare for war [Vegetius – De Re Militari]Peace is not the absence of war. Lasting peace is rooted in justice [David Trimble]You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom [Malcolm X – Prospects for Peace in 1965]If peace cannot be maintained with honour, it is no longer peace [Lord John Russell – speech]In the arts of peace Man is a bungler [George Bernard Shaw – Man and Superman]the peace of God, which passeth all understanding [Bible: Philippians]They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks [Bible: Isaiah]War makes rattling good history; but Peace is poor reading [Thomas Hardy – The Dynasts]He that makes a good war makes a good peace [George Herbert – Outlandish Proverbs]peace: in international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting [Ambrose Bierce – The Devil's Dictionary]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accord
Definition
agreement or harmony
I found myself in total accord.
Synonyms
sympathy,
agreement,
concert,
harmony,
accordance,
unison,
rapport,
conformity,
assent,
unanimity,
concurrence
in the sense of agreement
Definition
the act or state of agreeing
The talks ended in acrimony rather than agreement.
Synonyms
concurrence,
harmony,
compliance,
union,
agreeing,
concession,
consent,
unison,
assent,
concord,
acquiescence
in the sense of amity
Definition
friendship
Over the past two decades the countries have lived in amity.
Synonyms
friendship,
understanding,
accord,
peace,
harmony,
goodwill,
fellowship,
fraternity,
brotherhood,
tranquillity,
friendliness,
concord,
comradeship,
cordiality,
peacefulness,
kindliness,
comity,
amicability
Synonyms of 'peace'
peace
Explore 'peace' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of armistice
Definition
an agreement between opposing armies to stop fighting
Finally, they signed an armistice with their longstanding enemy.
Synonyms
truce,
peace,
ceasefire,
suspension of hostilities
in the sense of calm
Definition
a peaceful state
the rural calm of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Synonyms
stillness,
peace,
quiet,
hush,
serenity,
tranquillity,
repose,
calmness,
peacefulness
in the sense of calm
Definition
a peaceful state
He felt a sudden sense of calm and contentment.
Synonyms
peacefulness,
peace,
serenity,
calmness
in the sense of calmness
Synonyms
peacefulness,
peace,
quiet,
calm,
hush,
serenity,
tranquillity,
stillness,
repose,
smoothness,
placidity,
restfulness,
motionlessness
in the sense of composure
Definition
the state of being calm or unworried
Stopping briefly to regain her composure, she described her ordeal.
Synonyms
calmness,
calm,
poise,
self-possession,
cool (slang),
ease,
dignity,
serenity,
tranquillity,
coolness,
aplomb,
equanimity,
self-assurance,
sang-froid,
placidity,
imperturbability,
collectedness,
sedateness
in the sense of concord
Definition
peaceful relations between nations
A climate of concord and tolerance prevails among the two communities.
Synonyms
harmony,
accord,
peace,
agreement,
concert,
friendship,
consensus,
goodwill,
unison,
good understanding,
rapport,
unanimity,
amity (formal),
consonance
in the sense of contentment
I cannot describe the feeling of contentment that was with me at that time.
Synonyms
satisfaction,
peace,
content,
ease,
pleasure,
comfort,
happiness,
fulfilment,
gratification,
serenity,
equanimity,
gladness,
repletion,
contentedness
in the sense of equanimity
Definition
calmness of mind or temper
He faced his defeat with equanimity.
Synonyms
composure,
peace,
calm,
poise,
serenity,
tranquillity,
coolness,
aplomb,
calmness,
phlegm,
steadiness,
presence of mind,
sang-froid,
self-possession,
placidity,
level-headedness,
imperturbability
in the sense of hush
Definition
stillness or silence
A hush fell over the crowd.
Synonyms
quiet,
silence,
calm,
still (poetic),
peace,
tranquillity,
stillness,
peacefulness
in the sense of quiet
Definition
the state of being silent, peaceful, or untroubled
He wants some peace and quiet.
Synonyms
peace,
rest,
tranquillity,
ease,
silence,
solitude,
serenity,
stillness,
repose,
calmness,
quietness,
peacefulness,
restfulness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of repose
Definition
a state of quiet restfulness
The atmosphere is one of repose.
Synonyms
peace,
rest,
quiet,
ease,
relaxation,
respite,
tranquillity,
stillness,
inactivity,
quietness,
quietude,
restfulness
in the sense of repose
Definition
calmness or composure
She has a great deal of natural repose.
Synonyms
composure,
dignity,
peace of mind,
poise,
serenity,
tranquillity,
aplomb,
calmness,
equanimity,
self-possession
in the sense of rest
Definition
a thing or place on which to put something for support or to steady it
a remote part of the valley for those seeking rest and relaxation