German word

Waffenstillstand

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvafn̩ˌʃtɪlʃtant/

Meaning

  • masculine nounceasefire

Example

Der Waffenstillstand trat gestern in Kraft.

The ceasefire took effect yesterday.

Illustration for Waffenstillstand (ceasefire)

More examples

Die Delegationen konnten endlich einen Waffenstillstand aushandeln.

The delegations were finally able to negotiate a ceasefire.

Core concept

An agreed halt to military action creates a temporary space between forces that are still at war.

Common phrases

  • einen Waffenstillstand aushandeln

    negotiate a ceasefire

  • einen Waffenstillstand einhalten

    observe a ceasefire

  • einen Waffenstillstand verlängern

    extend a ceasefire

Similar words

Waffenruhe: A period or agreement in which opposing forces temporarily stop fighting.
Feuerpause: A short agreed halt to shooting or shelling.
Waffenstillstandsabkommen: A formally documented agreement establishing ceasefire terms.
Frieden: An enduring condition in which war has ended and peaceful conditions prevail.

Definition in German

Der Waffenstillstand bezeichnet das vorübergehende Aussetzen von Kampfhandlungen zwischen Kriegsparteien, oft durch eine Vereinbarung geregelt.

Word origin

Waffenstillstand combines Waffen, 'weapons' or 'arms', with Stillstand, 'cessation' or 'standstill', to name a halt involving armed conflict.

Usage tips

  • The word refers to a ceasefire rather than necessarily a peace treaty, so it does not by itself imply that the war has ended.

Other meanings

  • armisticenoun

Opposites

  • Kriegwarnoun
  • Feindseligkeitenhostilitiesnoun

Related words

  • Waffenstillstandsabkommenceasefire agreementnoun
  • Waffenstillstandserklärungceasefire declarationnoun

Word lists with this word