More binding than a ceasefire, these more-or-less officially declare the end of a war. Don't be fooled, though - they're often false.

Ar"mis*tice (#), n. [F. armistice, fr. (an assumed word) L. armistitium; arma arms + stare, statum (combining form, -stitum), to stand still.]

A cessation of arms for a short time, by convention; a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement; a truce.

© Webster 1913.