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
was arrested for a breach of the peace = was arrested for disturbing the peace [=for behaving in a loud or violent way in a public place]
c
: freedom from being disturbed or bothered by people, noise, etc.
went outside for a few moments of peace
Why won't they leave him in peace?
enjoyed the peace and quiet of the library
2
: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
Spending more time in nature has helped me achieve inner peace.
I have been in perfect peace and contentment …—
J. H. Newman
Insurance can provide you with peace of mind.
May our dearly departed friend rest in peace.
3
: harmony in personal relations
There will be no peace in this house until one of them apologizes.
She wanted to make her peace [=end an argument or disagreement] with her father before he died.
… many eschewed political talk in favor of keeping the peace between friends and neighbors.—
Jordyn Hermani
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
… few believe a negotiated peace is imminent.—
Jason Horowitz
—often used before another nouna peace agreement/accord/treaty
a peace initiative/conference
The two sides have held no substantive peace talks in more than a decade.—
Joseph Krauss
5
—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
peaced; peacing; peaces
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Merriam-Webster unabridged




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