Etymology
From Middle English pees, pes, pais, borrowed from Anglo-Norman peis and Old French pais (peace), from Latin pÄx (peace), from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂ḱ- (to fasten, stick, place), related to Latin pacÄ«scor (agree, stipulate), Latin pangÅ (fasten, fix). Displaced native Old English sibb and friþ.
Noun
peace (usually uncountable, plural peaces)
- A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; absence of violence. For instance, a state free from civil disturbance.
- A state free of oppressive and unpleasant thoughts and emotions, such as in the phrase "peace of mind."
- Harmony in personal relations.
- 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
- pacify
- pacifism
- pacifist
Verb
peace (third-person singular simple present peaces, present participle peacing, simple past and past participle peaced)
- To make peace; to put at peace; to be at peace.
Credits
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