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peace

Pronunciation: /piːs/
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Definition of peace

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1freedom from disturbance; tranquillity:he just wanted to drink a few beers in peace
  • mental or emotional calm:the peace of mind this insurance gives you
  • 2a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended:the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace [in singular]:the peace didn’t last
  • [in singular] a treaty agreeing peace between warring states:support for a negotiated peace
  • the state of being free from civil disorder:police action to restore peace
  • the state of being free from dissension:the 8.8 per cent offer promises peace with the union
  • 3 (the peace) a ceremonial handshake or kiss exchanged during a service in some Churches (now usually only in the Eucharist), symbolizing Christian love and unity. See also kiss of peace at kiss.

Phrases

at peace

  • 1 euphemistic free from anxiety or distress: she had felt at peace, and strangely detached
  • dead and therefore free from the difficulties of life.
  • 2in a state of friendliness:a man at peace with the world

hold one's peace

remain silent about something: he nodded indulgently at such pertness and obstinacy, but held his peace

keep the peace

refrain or prevent others from disturbing civil order: the police must play a crucial role in keeping the peace

make (one's) peace

re-establish friendly relations:he returned to the village to make peace with his mother

no peace for the wicked

see no rest for the wicked at wicked.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French pais, from Latin pax, pac- 'peace'

peace in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of peace in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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