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

The crucial question, though, is whether this creeping ceasefire is the start of a real peace process that may develop into an actual cessation of hostilities and even a lasting peace in Ukraine. —Matthew Chance, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025

Its cessation would cause an immediate breakdown in command and control across Ukrainian frontlines, which would be militarily disastrous. —Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025

In response, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2722 on January 10, 2024, condemning the maritime attacks and calling for their immediate cessation. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

The cease-fire agreed to in mid-January was a three-phase plan meant to lead to a long-term cessation of hostilities, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas. —Ibrahim Hazboun, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025

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