Armistice vs. Ceasefire — What's the Difference?

An armistice is a formal agreement of warring parties to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, as it may constitute only a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace.

A ceasefire (or truce), also spelled cease fire (the antonym of 'open fire'), is a temporary stoppage of a war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Historically, the concept existed at least by the time of the Middle Ages, when it was known as a 'truce of God'.

A temporary cessation of fighting by mutual consent; a truce.

An order to stop firing.

A (short) cessation of combat; a cease-fire, a truce.

Suspension of active hostilities; a truce.

A formal agreement, especially between nations, to end combat.

Alternative spelling of cease-fire

Alternative case form of Armistice

A cessation of arms for a short time, by convention; a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement; a truce.

A state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms