cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a temporary or final ceasing (as of action) : stop

mutually agreed to a cessation of fighting

Synonyms of cessation

• halt
• ending
• conclusion
• end
• closure
• close
• termination
• discontinuance
• cease
• discontinuation

Examples of cessation in a Sentence

Relapses after cessation of treatment are common.

the cessation of the snowstorm was a relief

Recent Examples on the Web

The deaths mark the second fatal incident in two days involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, a peacekeeping force established in 1978 and which later monitored cessation of hostilities between the two nations. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Washington wants a complete cessation of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026

The cessation of hostilities, or ceasefire, that was put in place at the end of that conflict was holding. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

The cessation of sugar shipments out of Brazil provided an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious planters in the new British possession of Barbados. —Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cessacioun, from Middle French cessation, from Latin cessation-, cessatio delay, idleness, from cessare to delay, be idle — more at cease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cessation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation
• conflation

Kids Definition

cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a stopping of action