diff --git a/docs/production/security-model.md b/docs/production/security-model.md
index 95b5281c49..56fecd2998 100644
--- a/docs/production/security-model.md
+++ b/docs/production/security-model.md
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ strength allowed is controlled by two settings in
   and bots.
 
 * Owners and administrators have the ability to deactivate and
-  reactivate other human and bot users, delete streams, add/remove
+  reactivate other human and bot users, archive streams, add/remove
   administrator privileges, as well as change configuration for the
   organization.
 
diff --git a/frontend_tests/node_tests/stream_data.js b/frontend_tests/node_tests/stream_data.js
index a9db1ccf21..6f6cf9bbde 100644
--- a/frontend_tests/node_tests/stream_data.js
+++ b/frontend_tests/node_tests/stream_data.js
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@ test("delete_sub", () => {
     assert(!stream_data.get_sub("Canada"));
     assert(!stream_data.get_sub_by_id(canada.stream_id));
 
-    blueslip.expect("warn", "Failed to delete stream 99999");
+    blueslip.expect("warn", "Failed to archive stream 99999");
     stream_data.delete_sub(99999);
 });
 
diff --git a/static/js/stream_data.js b/static/js/stream_data.js
index af4495413e..b162ae213f 100644
--- a/static/js/stream_data.js
+++ b/static/js/stream_data.js
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ export function slug_to_name(slug) {
 export function delete_sub(stream_id) {
     const sub = subs_by_stream_id.get(stream_id);
     if (!sub) {
-        blueslip.warn("Failed to delete stream " + stream_id);
+        blueslip.warn("Failed to archive stream " + stream_id);
         return;
     }
     subs_by_stream_id.delete(stream_id);
diff --git a/static/js/stream_edit.js b/static/js/stream_edit.js
index 222f2c69b7..58c957a29f 100644
--- a/static/js/stream_edit.js
+++ b/static/js/stream_edit.js
@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@ export function change_stream_description(e) {
     });
 }
 
-export function delete_stream(stream_id, alert_element, stream_row) {
+export function archive_stream(stream_id, alert_element, stream_row) {
     channel.del({
         url: "/json/streams/" + stream_id,
         error(xhr) {
@@ -874,7 +874,7 @@ export function initialize() {
             return;
         }
         const row = $(".stream-row.active");
-        delete_stream(stream_id, $(".stream_change_property_info"), row);
+        archive_stream(stream_id, $(".stream_change_property_info"), row);
     });
 
     $("#subscriptions_table").on("click", ".stream-row", function (e) {
diff --git a/static/templates/settings/deactivation_stream_modal.hbs b/static/templates/settings/deactivation_stream_modal.hbs
index ca9c50c48f..6b7a4072c8 100644
--- a/static/templates/settings/deactivation_stream_modal.hbs
+++ b/static/templates/settings/deactivation_stream_modal.hbs
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 <div id="deactivation_stream_modal" class="modal modal-bg hide fade new-style" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-labelledby="deactivation_stream_modal_label" aria-hidden="true">
     <div class="modal-header">
         <button type="button" class="close close-modal-btn" data-dismiss="modal" aria-label="{{t 'Close' }}"><span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span></button>
-        <h3 id="deactivation_stream_modal_label">{{t "Delete stream" }} <span class="stream_name">{{stream_name}}</span></h3>
+        <h3 id="deactivation_stream_modal_label">{{t "Archive stream" }} <span class="stream_name">{{stream_name}}</span></h3>
     </div>
     <div class="modal-body">
-        <p>{{t "Deleting this stream will immediately unsubscribe everyone, and the stream's content will not be recoverable." }} <strong>{{t "Are you sure you want to do this?" }}</strong></p>
+        <p>{{t "Archiving this stream will immediately unsubscribe everyone, and the stream's content will not be recoverable." }} <strong>{{t "Are you sure you want to do this?" }}</strong></p>
     </div>
     <div class="modal-footer">
         <button class="button rounded close-modal-btn" data-dismiss="modal">{{t "Cancel" }}</button>
-        <button class="button rounded btn-danger" id="do_deactivate_stream_button" data-stream-id="{{stream_id}}">{{t "Yes, delete this stream" }}</button>
+        <button class="button rounded btn-danger" id="do_deactivate_stream_button" data-stream-id="{{stream_id}}">{{t "Yes, archive this stream" }}</button>
     </div>
 </div>
diff --git a/static/templates/subscription_settings.hbs b/static/templates/subscription_settings.hbs
index cc4bec31be..68ad969abe 100644
--- a/static/templates/subscription_settings.hbs
+++ b/static/templates/subscription_settings.hbs
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
             </div>
             <div class="button-group">
                 {{#if is_realm_admin}}
-                <button class="button small rounded btn-danger deactivate" type="button" name="delete_button" title="{{t 'Delete stream'}}"> <i class="fa fa-trash-o" aria-hidden="true"></i></button>
+                <button class="button small rounded btn-danger deactivate" type="button" name="delete_button" title="{{t 'Archive stream'}}"> <i class="fa fa-trash-o" aria-hidden="true"></i></button>
                 {{/if}}
                 <div class="sub_unsub_button_wrapper inline-block">
                     <button class="button small rounded subscribe-button sub_unsub_button {{#unless subscribed }}unsubscribed{{/unless}}" type="button" name="button" {{#if should_display_subscription_button}}title="{{t 'Toggle subscription'}} (S)" {{else}}disabled="disabled"{{/if}}>
diff --git a/templates/zerver/api/delete-stream.md b/templates/zerver/api/archive-stream.md
similarity index 97%
rename from templates/zerver/api/delete-stream.md
rename to templates/zerver/api/archive-stream.md
index 541d58c349..1d0edfe541 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/api/delete-stream.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/api/archive-stream.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Delete a stream
+# Archive a stream
 
 {generate_api_description(/streams/{stream_id}:delete)}
 
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-stream.md b/templates/zerver/help/archive-a-stream.md
similarity index 65%
rename from templates/zerver/help/delete-a-stream.md
rename to templates/zerver/help/archive-a-stream.md
index 59e5eb6ec0..8ac9e299e6 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-stream.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/archive-a-stream.md
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
-# Delete a stream
+# Archive a stream
 
 {!admin-only.md!}
 
-Deleting a stream will immediately unsubscribe all users from the stream,
+Archiving a stream will immediately unsubscribe all users from the stream,
 remove the stream from search and other typeaheads, and remove the stream's
 messages from **All messages**.
 
-Deleting a stream does not delete a stream's messages. Users will still be
+Archiving a stream does not delete a stream's messages. Users will still be
 able to find any given message by searching for it. However, links to
 messages and topics in the stream may or may not continue to work.
 
 In most cases, we recommend [renaming streams](/help/rename-a-stream) rather
-than deleting them.
+than archiving them.
 
-### Delete a stream
+### Archive a stream
 
 {start_tabs}
 
@@ -21,14 +21,14 @@ than deleting them.
 
 1. Select a stream.
 
-1. On the right, click **Delete**.
+1. On the right, click **Archive**.
 
-1. Click **Yes, delete this stream**.
+1. Click **Yes, archive this stream**.
 
 {end_tabs}
 
 !!! warn ""
-    Deleting a stream is irreversible.
+    Archiving a stream is irreversible.
 
 ## Related articles
 
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-topic.md b/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-topic.md
index f71194ba78..5a05c6916b 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-topic.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/delete-a-topic.md
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ better idea, or just leaving the topic as is. Deleting a topic can confuse
 users who come to the topic later via an email notification.
 
 Note that deleting a topic also deletes every message with that topic,
-whereas [deleting a stream](/help/delete-a-stream) does not.
+whereas [archiving a stream](/help/archive-a-stream) does not.
 
 ### Delete a topic
 
@@ -39,5 +39,5 @@ attribute of messages in Zulip.
 ## Related articles
 
 * [Edit or delete a message](/help/edit-or-delete-a-message)
-* [Delete a stream](/help/delete-a-stream)
+* [Archive a stream](/help/archive-a-stream)
 * [Message retention policy](/help/message-retention-policy)
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/edit-or-delete-a-message.md b/templates/zerver/help/edit-or-delete-a-message.md
index ab83a44044..e54a0d136f 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/edit-or-delete-a-message.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/edit-or-delete-a-message.md
@@ -92,6 +92,6 @@ permissions to delete that message.
 ## Related articles
 
 * [Delete a topic](/help/delete-a-topic)
-* [Delete a stream](/help/delete-a-stream)
+* [Archive a stream](/help/archive-a-stream)
 * [Message retention policy](/help/message-retention-policy)
 * [Configure editing and deletion policies](/help/configure-message-editing-and-deletion)
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/include/rest-endpoints.md b/templates/zerver/help/include/rest-endpoints.md
index d1b9f2d5ce..dbbf5e8972 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/include/rest-endpoints.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/include/rest-endpoints.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 * [Get stream ID](/api/get-stream-id)
 * [Create a stream](/api/create-stream)
 * [Update a stream](/api/update-stream)
-* [Delete a stream](/api/delete-stream)
+* [Archive a stream](/api/archive-stream)
 * [Get topics in a stream](/api/get-stream-topics)
 * [Topic muting](/api/mute-topic)
 
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/include/sidebar_index.md b/templates/zerver/help/include/sidebar_index.md
index cc3a0024ff..3cfb3109c1 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/include/sidebar_index.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/include/sidebar_index.md
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@
 
 ## Stream management
 * [Stream permissions](/help/stream-permissions)
-* [Delete or archive a stream](/help/delete-a-stream)
+* [Delete or archive a stream](/help/archive-a-stream)
 * [Delete a topic](/help/delete-a-topic)
 * [Set default streams for new users](/help/set-default-streams-for-new-users)
 * [Rename a stream](/help/rename-a-stream)
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/message-retention-policy.md b/templates/zerver/help/message-retention-policy.md
index 56a89d5b69..fc6c6b2de6 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/message-retention-policy.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/message-retention-policy.md
@@ -69,4 +69,4 @@ more details on precisely how message deletion works in Zulip.
 
 * [Edit or delete a message](/help/edit-or-delete-a-message)
 * [Delete a topic](/help/delete-a-topic)
-* [Delete a stream](/help/delete-a-stream)
+* [Archive a stream](/help/archive-a-stream)
diff --git a/templates/zerver/help/moderating-open-organizations.md b/templates/zerver/help/moderating-open-organizations.md
index 445337b172..5b596cf138 100644
--- a/templates/zerver/help/moderating-open-organizations.md
+++ b/templates/zerver/help/moderating-open-organizations.md
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ Zulip has many features designed to simplify moderation:
   bad faith. You can reactivate them later if they repent.
 * Use the `streams:public sender:user@example.com`
   [search operators](/help/search-for-messages) to find all messages sent by a user.
-* Delete messages, [delete streams](/help/delete-a-stream), and
+* Delete messages, [archive streams](/help/archive-a-stream), and
   [unsubscribe users from streams](/help/add-or-remove-users-from-a-stream).
 * [Rename topics](/help/rename-a-topic).
 * [Change users' names](/help/change-a-users-name) (e.g. to "Spammer")
diff --git a/zerver/openapi/python_examples.py b/zerver/openapi/python_examples.py
index 03c177dcaf..d27ff10755 100644
--- a/zerver/openapi/python_examples.py
+++ b/zerver/openapi/python_examples.py
@@ -424,19 +424,19 @@ def get_stream_id(client: Client) -> int:
 
 
 @openapi_test_function("/streams/{stream_id}:delete")
-def delete_stream(client: Client, stream_id: int) -> None:
+def archive_stream(client: Client, stream_id: int) -> None:
     result = client.add_subscriptions(
         streams=[
             {
-                "name": "stream to be deleted",
+                "name": "stream to be archived",
                 "description": "New stream for testing",
             },
         ],
     )
 
     # {code_example|start}
-    # Delete the stream named 'stream to be deleted'
-    stream_id = client.get_stream_id("stream to be deleted")["stream_id"]
+    # Archive the stream named 'stream to be archived'
+    stream_id = client.get_stream_id("stream to be archived")["stream_id"]
     result = client.delete_stream(stream_id)
     # {code_example|end}
     validate_against_openapi_schema(result, "/streams/{stream_id}", "delete", "200")
@@ -1368,7 +1368,7 @@ def test_streams(client: Client, nonadmin_client: Client) -> None:
     update_subscription_settings(client)
     update_notification_settings(client)
     get_stream_topics(client, 1)
-    delete_stream(client, stream_id)
+    archive_stream(client, stream_id)
 
     test_user_not_authorized_error(nonadmin_client)
     test_authorization_errors_fatal(client, nonadmin_client)
diff --git a/zerver/openapi/zulip.yaml b/zerver/openapi/zulip.yaml
index 40470f72b4..110f54ea22 100644
--- a/zerver/openapi/zulip.yaml
+++ b/zerver/openapi/zulip.yaml
@@ -8810,10 +8810,10 @@ paths:
                       }
   /streams/{stream_id}:
     delete:
-      operationId: delete_stream
+      operationId: archive_stream
       tags: ["streams"]
       description: |
-        [Delete the stream](/help/delete-a-stream) with the ID `stream_id`.
+        [Archive the stream](/help/archive-a-stream) with the ID `stream_id`.
 
         `DELETE {{ api_url }}/v1/streams/{stream_id}`
       parameters:
diff --git a/zerver/tests/test_subs.py b/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
index dae048fabe..e62dc88d18 100644
--- a/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
+++ b/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
@@ -1305,17 +1305,17 @@ class StreamAdminTest(ZulipTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(result[1][2].name, "new_stream3")
         self.assertEqual(result[1][2].message_retention_days, None)
 
-    def set_up_stream_for_deletion(
+    def set_up_stream_for_archiving(
         self, stream_name: str, invite_only: bool = False, subscribed: bool = True
     ) -> Stream:
         """
-        Create a stream for deletion by an administrator.
+        Create a stream for archiving by an administrator.
         """
         user_profile = self.example_user("hamlet")
         self.login_user(user_profile)
         stream = self.make_stream(stream_name, invite_only=invite_only)
 
-        # For testing deleting streams you aren't on.
+        # For testing archiving streams you aren't on.
         if subscribed:
             self.subscribe(user_profile, stream_name)
 
@@ -1323,9 +1323,9 @@ class StreamAdminTest(ZulipTestCase):
 
         return stream
 
-    def delete_stream(self, stream: Stream) -> None:
+    def archive_stream(self, stream: Stream) -> None:
         """
-        Delete the stream and assess the result.
+        Archive the stream and assess the result.
         """
         active_name = stream.name
         realm = stream.realm
@@ -1402,28 +1402,28 @@ class StreamAdminTest(ZulipTestCase):
         When an administrator deletes a public stream, that stream is not
         visible to users at all anymore.
         """
-        stream = self.set_up_stream_for_deletion("newstream")
-        self.delete_stream(stream)
+        stream = self.set_up_stream_for_archiving("newstream")
+        self.archive_stream(stream)
 
     def test_delete_private_stream(self) -> None:
         """
         Administrators can delete private streams they are on.
         """
-        stream = self.set_up_stream_for_deletion("newstream", invite_only=True)
-        self.delete_stream(stream)
+        stream = self.set_up_stream_for_archiving("newstream", invite_only=True)
+        self.archive_stream(stream)
 
-    def test_delete_streams_youre_not_on(self) -> None:
+    def test_archive_streams_youre_not_on(self) -> None:
         """
         Administrators can delete public streams they aren't on, including
         private streams in their realm.
         """
-        pub_stream = self.set_up_stream_for_deletion("pubstream", subscribed=False)
-        self.delete_stream(pub_stream)
+        pub_stream = self.set_up_stream_for_archiving("pubstream", subscribed=False)
+        self.archive_stream(pub_stream)
 
-        priv_stream = self.set_up_stream_for_deletion(
+        priv_stream = self.set_up_stream_for_archiving(
             "privstream", subscribed=False, invite_only=True
         )
-        self.delete_stream(priv_stream)
+        self.archive_stream(priv_stream)
 
     def attempt_unsubscribe_of_principal(
         self,
@@ -4369,7 +4369,7 @@ class SubscriptionAPITest(ZulipTestCase):
             self.subscribe(non_admin_user, stream_name)
             self.subscribe(self.example_user("othello"), stream_name)
 
-        def delete_stream(stream_name: str) -> None:
+        def archive_stream(stream_name: str) -> None:
             stream_id = get_stream(stream_name, realm).id
             result = self.client_delete(f"/json/streams/{stream_id}")
             self.assert_json_success(result)
@@ -4379,7 +4379,7 @@ class SubscriptionAPITest(ZulipTestCase):
         non_admin_before_delete = gather_subscriptions_helper(non_admin_user)
 
         # Delete our stream
-        delete_stream("stream1")
+        archive_stream("stream1")
 
         # Get subs after delete
         admin_after_delete = gather_subscriptions_helper(admin_user)