What does truce mean?
A truce is a temporary agreement between parties in a conflict to stop fighting for a limited period. The word commonly appears in reports of wars, rebellions, military campaigns, and political or labor disputes. Unlike a general settlement intended to end a conflict permanently, a truce usually postpones further fighting while negotiations, evacuations, or other arrangements take place. It may denote either the agreement itself or the period of calm it creates. “Ceasefire” is a close synonym and often emphasizes the stopping of hostilities, while “armistice” can suggest a more formal or structured military agreement. Truce is used in both British and American English and carries a serious, usually formal tone, though it can also appear in figurative expressions about temporary cooperation or relief from pressure.
A temporary agreement between warring parties to stop fighting, or the period of peace resulting from such an agreement.
"The leaders called a short truce so that aid could reach the affected region."
The noun is the standard and dominant part of speech of truce.
To make a truce or bring fighting parties into a temporary cessation of hostilities.
"The mediators worked to truce the two factions long enough for talks to begin."
This use is rare and literary; the noun form is far more common.
The plural is used when referring to multiple separate temporary ceasefires or periods of peace.
"The two sides agreed to further truces during the negotiations."
The famous 1914 Christmas Truce briefly replaced trench warfare with handshakes, football, and shared Christmas cheer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does truce come from?
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French, where it referred to a temporary peace or cessation of hostilities. Its ultimate source is generally traced to Medieval Latin truca, a term probably borrowed from a Celtic language, although the precise pre-Latin origin is uncertain. The English word was established in medieval usage and later developed into modern senses covering both negotiated pauses in conflict and the periods of peace they create.
How truce is actually used
A truce is usually negotiated or announced by opposing parties and emphasizes that the peace is temporary. It is common in news reporting, political writing, and historical descriptions of armed conflict. The verb use is rare and literary, while the noun is standard in both British and American English.
Easily confused with truce
A truce is a temporary halt to fighting, whereas a trace is a faint mark, sign, or piece of evidence.