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

• arrest
• arrestment
• cease
• check
• close
• closedown
• closure
• conclusion
• cutoff
• discontinuance
• discontinuation
• end
• ending
• expiration
• finish
• halt
• lapse
• offset
• shutdown
• shutoff
• stay
• stop
• stoppage
• surcease
• termination

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

Instead, what the country needs now is an interim cessation of hostilities that largely reflects current realities on the ground. —Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024

The same family of contaminants triggered past recalls of the heartburn drug Zantac, the diabetes drug metformin and the smoking cessation medication Chantix. —Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

Throughout it all, the Biden administration, with allies Egypt and Qatar, engaged in tortuous talks to reach a cessation of hostilities. —Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024

The Secretary-General takes the opportunity to reiterate the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. —Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 14 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a stopping of action