peace
Pronunciation: (pēs), [key]
— n., interj., v., peaced, peac•ing.
—n.
- the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
- (often cap.) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.
- a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.
- the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.
- cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
- freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
- a state of tranquillity or serenity: May he rest in peace.
- a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity: the peace of a mountain resort.
- silence; stillness: The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon's peace.
- (cap., italics) a comedy (421b.c. ) by Aristophanes.
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- in a state or relationship of nonbelligerence or concord; not at war.
- untroubled; tranquil; content.
- deceased.
- to refrain from or cease speaking; keep silent: He told her to hold her peace until he had finished.
- to maintain order; cause to refrain from creating a disturbance: Several officers of the law were on hand to keep the peace.
- to become reconciled with: He repaired the fence he had broken and made his peace with the neighbor on whose property it stood.
- to ask for or arrange a cessation of hostilities or antagonism.
—interj.
- (used to express greeting or farewell or to request quietness or silence).
—v.i.
- to be or become silent.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.