keep one's peace

Variant of peace

peace definition

peace (pēs)

noun

  1. freedom from war or a stopping of war
  2. a treaty or agreement to end war or the threat of war
  3. freedom from public disturbance or disorder; public security; law and order
  4. freedom from disagreement or quarrels; harmony; concord
  5. an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity
    in full peace of mind
  6. calm; quiet; tranquillity

Etymology: ME pais < OFr < L pax (gen. pacis) < IE base *pak-, to fasten > fang, L pacisci, to confirm an agreement, pangere, to fasten

intransitive verb

to be or become silent or quiet: obs. except in the imperative
peace Idioms

at peace

  1. free from war
  2. quiet; in repose

hold one's peace

or keep one's peace
to be silent; keep quiet

keep the peace

to avoid or prevent violation of law and public order

make one's peace with

to effect a reconciliation with

make peace

to end hostilities, settle arguments, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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