Definition: Peace

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Etymology

From Middle English pees, pes, pais, borrowed from Anglo-Norman peis and Old French pais (peace), from Latin pāx (peace), from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂ḱ- (to fasten, stick, place), related to Latin pacīscor (agree, stipulate), Latin pangō (fasten, fix). Displaced native Old English sibb and friþ.

Noun

peace (usually uncountable, plural peaces)

  1. A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; absence of violence. For instance, a state free from civil disturbance.
  2. A state free of oppressive and unpleasant thoughts and emotions, such as in the phrase "peace of mind."
  3. Harmony in personal relations.
  4. A state free of war, in particular war between different countries.

Derived terms

  • Justice of the Peace
  • peacebreaker
  • peacebuilding
  • Peace Corps
  • peace offering
  • peace sign
  • peace treaty
  • Prince of Peace
  • world peace

Related terms

Verb

peace (third-person singular simple present peaces, present participle peacing, simple past and past participle peaced)

  1. To make peace; to put at peace; to be at peace.

Credits

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