Ceasefires, also known as truces or armistices, are temporary suspensions of hostilities between opposing forces. When such an agreement is reached, a lull in the fighting can help to reduce the loss of life and destruction of property. Other synonyms for ceasefires include peace agreements, peace treaties, truces, and intermissions, all of which are designed to bring a temporary peace to an otherwise long-lasting conflict. Such agreements can be reached through negotiations or mediation and may be a prelude to more extensive peace processes. All of these synonyms for ceasefires serve the same purpose, which is to pause the fighting and bring about a peaceful resolution to a conflict.