armistice
UK/'ɑ:mistis/US
GREA2
Definitions
n.
A formal agreement between enemies to stop fighting; a ceasefire.
停战协议，休战。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedLatin arma (weapons) + a form of sistere 'to cause to stand still / to stop' (the st family) = 'making the weapons stand still.' An armistice is literally the moment guns are made to halt. Compare solstice (sol 'sun' + st = the sun standing still).
Root arma still carries 9 more wordsWhy It Means This
The hidden -st- is the same root that gives 'stop/stand still.' Armistice pairs it with weapons: bring the arms to a standstill. Most people know the word from Armistice Day (Nov 11, 1918), when the guns of WWI fell silent.
Common Collocations
- 1.sign an armistice签署停战协议
- 2.armistice agreement停战协议
- 3.armistice line停战线
Example Sentences
- 1.
The two nations signed an armistice after three years of war.
- 2.
A fragile armistice held along the border for months.
- 3.
Armistice Day commemorates the end of the First World War.