A
ceasefire (or
truce) is a temporary stoppage of a
war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Ceasefires may be declared as part of a formal
treaty, but they have also been called as part of an informal understanding between opposing forces. A ceasefire is usually more limited than a broader
armistice, which is a formal agreement to end fighting. Successful ceasefires may be followed by armistices, and finally by
peace treaties.