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Truce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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truce

[truːs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

peace agreement

A truce is an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop hostilities for a certain period of time. It is typically established during a conflict to allow a temporary cessation of fighting and can serve as a basis for negotiating a more lasting peace. Truces are often seen in military contexts, where they may also facilitate exchanges, such as prisoner swaps or humanitarian aid. Though a truce may not resolve the underlying issues, it provides a momentary pause in conflict to foster dialogue and understanding.

Synonyms

armistice, ceasefire, peace, settlement.

Examples of usage

  • The two countries declared a truce after months of fighting.
  • A truce was established to allow civilians to evacuate.
  • Negotiators worked hard to broker a truce between the rival factions.
  • Despite the truce, tensions remained high on the border.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'truce' comes from the Old French word 'truce', which means a pause or halt in fighting.
  • It dates back to the late 14th century when armies would agree to terms to stop battles temporarily.
  • In ancient times, truces were often used before negotiations for a more permanent peace agreement.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often feature truces as critical turning points where characters find common ground.
  • The phrase 'Christmas Truce' refers to a real event during World War I when soldiers temporarily stopped fighting to celebrate Christmas together.
  • In video games, 'truce' can appear as a gameplay mechanic, where players agree to not attack each other for strategic reasons.

Political Science

  • Truces can lead to ceasefires but do not always resolve the underlying causes of conflict.
  • Negotiating a truce often requires third-party mediators, who help the conflicting parties find a common agreement.
  • Truces are a strategic tool in international relations to create space for dialogue and peace talks.

Psychology

  • Agreeing to a truce can help reduce stress and anxiety among those involved in a conflict.
  • Psychological research shows that temporary agreements can pave the way for long-term resolutions by fostering cooperation.
  • A truce can serve as a cooling-off period that allows for reflection, which can lead to more effective problem-solving.

Literature

  • In classic literature, truces often symbolize hope and reconciliation amidst chaos and despair.
  • Authors have used the motif of a truce to highlight the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas.
  • Famous works, such as 'War and Peace', explore themes of truce and conflict resolution during turbulent times.

Origin of 'truce'

The word 'truce' originates from the Middle English term 'trew', which means 'faith' or 'truth'. This term evolved from the Old French 'treue', which refers to a peace agreement. The concept of a truce has been significant throughout history, particularly in the context of wars and conflicts, as it represents a moment of respite where parties can pause hostilities and potentially negotiate a more durable solution. Historically, truces have been pivotal in various treaties and agreements, allowing for diplomacy amidst conflict. The use of this word dates back to the late 13th century, reflecting its long-standing presence in the vernacular of diplomacy and warfare.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,103, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.