Cease
/siːs/
verbB2
Definition
To cease means to stop an action, event, or process. It is often used when something ends completely or suddenly. For example, when rain ceases, it means the rain stops falling.
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⚡ See It in Action
To stop an action or process
- •The factory ceased production last year.
- •The noise ceased after midnight.
- •Hostilities ceased with the signing of the peace treaty.
To bring something to an end
- •The company decided to cease operations in that country.
- •The rain ceased, and the sun came out.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "cease" like "stop," but often more formal or complete—like turning off a machine rather than just pausing it
- ✓Picture a clock that suddenly stops ticking, meaning time has ceased for that moment
- ✓It's the feeling when noise suddenly ends and everything becomes quiet
- ✓Sounds like "sees" → imagine someone who "sees" the end and decides to stop right there
- ✓Imagine a movie scene where the music ceases and silence fills the room, making the moment feel serious
- ✓NOT like "pause" (which is temporary), but "cease" means stopping completely, not just for a short time
- ✓NOT like "finish" (which means completing something), "cease" can mean stopping even before something is done
- ✓NOT like "quit" (which often means leaving or giving up), "cease" is simply stopping an action or event
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Stop: to end or pause an action (Use when speaking informally or about short breaks)
- •End: to bring something to a close (Use when something finishes naturally or completely)
- •Halt: to bring to a sudden stop (Use when the stop is quick or unexpected)
- •Discontinue: to stop doing something permanently (Use in formal contexts, often for services or products)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word "cease"
- •Etymology: From Old French "cesser," from Latin "cessare," meaning "to stop or delay"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean stopping or ending something
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing and speech to indicate stopping actions, events, or processes
💭 Reflect & Connect
•In what situations might you want to use "cease" instead of "stop" to sound more formal or serious?
•Can "cease" be used for both temporary and permanent stopping? How does context change its meaning?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The company decided to cease ___ operations due to financial problems.
2.When the rain ceased ___, people came outside to enjoy the sun.
3.Unlike "pause," to cease means to stop completely, not just for a ___ time.
4.The soldiers were ordered to cease ___ fire immediately.
5.Noise will cease ___ once the concert is over.
6.If a machine ceases to work, it means it has ___ functioning.
7.Hostilities cease ___ when both sides agree to peace.