peace

1 of 2

noun

ˈpēs 

1

: a state of tranquility or quiet: such as

a

: freedom from civil disturbance

Peace and order were finally restored in the town.

b

: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom

a breach of the peace

2

: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

I have been in perfect peace and contentment

—J. H. Newman

3

: harmony in personal relations

The sisters are at peace with each other.

4

a

: a state or period of mutual concord between governments

There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again.

b

: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity

offered the possibility of a negotiated peace

—New York Times

5

—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

peace

2 of 2

verb

peaced; peacing; peaces

intransitive verb

obsolete

: to be, become, or keep silent or quiet

Phrases

at peace

: in a state of concord or tranquility

The problem was settled and his mind was at peace.

Synonyms

Noun

• peacefulness

Examples of peace in a Sentence

Noun

After many years of war, people on both sides were longing for peace.

We said a prayer for world peace.

He tried to negotiate a peace between the warring countries.

There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again.

Peace and order were finally restored in the town.

After years of therapy, he has finally achieved an inner peace.

He is searching for inner peace.

Insurance can provide you with peace of mind.

The problem was settled and his mind was at peace.

They are at peace with each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While your relationship with your daughter-in-law has changed, this logistical question offers you the opportunity to tie up some emotional loose ends and part with peace. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024

The peace and privacy were perfect for our intimate event. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 Nov. 2024

Everyone here, even the birthing mother, seems at peace—for now. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The big picture: Here are some of our suggestions for finding a moment of inner peace this weekend. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English pees, from Anglo-French pes, pees, from Latin pac-, pax; akin to Latin pacisci to agree — more at pact

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peace

• a breach of the peace
• breach of the peace
• disturbance of the peace
• disturb the peace
• hold one's peace
• in peace
• justice of the peace
• kiss of peace
• leave (someone) in peace
• make one's peace with (someone)
• peace corps
• peace dividend
• peace offering
• peace officer
• peace of mind
• peace pipe
• peace process
• peace sign
• peace symbol
• peace treaty
• rest in peace
• sue for peace
• uneasy peace

Kids Definition

peace

noun

ˈpēs

1

: a state of quiet

especially : freedom from public disturbance or war

2

: freedom from upsetting thoughts or feelings

3

: harmony in personal relations

4

a

: a state or period of peace between governments

b

: an agreement to end a war

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pees "peace," from early French pes, pees (same meaning), from Latin pac-, pax "peace" — related to appease, pacify

Legal Definition

peace

noun

: a state of tranquility or quiet: as

a

: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom

keeping the peace

b

: freedom from civil disturbance

Geographical Definition

Peace

geographical name

ˈpēs 

river 1195 miles (1923 kilometers) long in western Canada flowing east and northeast in northern British Columbia and northern Alberta into the Slave River see finlay