cease

¹cease

verb \ˈsēs\

ceasedceas·ing

Definition of CEASE

transitive verb

: to cause to come to an end especially gradually : no longer continue <they were forced to cease operations> <cease to exist>

intransitive verb

1

a : to come to an end <the fighting gradually ceased> b : to bring an activity or action to an end : discontinue <they have been ordered to cease and desist>

2

obsolete : to become extinct : die out

Examples of CEASE

1. The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.
2. The factory ceased operations last year.
3. The child would not cease his constant whining.

Origin of CEASE

Middle English cesen, from Anglo-French cesser, from Latin cessare to hold back, be remiss, frequentative of cedere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CEASE

Synonyms: break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out), bite the dust

Antonyms: continue, hang on, persist

Related Words: desist (from), lay off (of), refrain (from); give over [British], knock off, pack (up or in); break down, conk (out), cut out, stall; pause, stay, suspend; abate, peter (out), wind down

Near Antonyms: draw out, extend, prolong, protract

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Rhymes with CEASE

crease, fleece, grease, Greece, kris, lease, Nice, niece, peace, piece