cease
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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
See Examples of CEASE
- The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.
- The factory ceased operations last year.
- 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
2cease
nounDefinition of CEASE
: cessation —usually used with without
Examples of CEASE
- <worked without cease for the betterment of humanity>
First Known Use of CEASE
14th century
Related to CEASE
- Synonyms
- arrest, arrestment, end, cessation, check, close, closedown, closure, conclusion, cutoff, discontinuance, discontinuation, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, offset, shutdown, shutoff, stay, stop, stoppage, surcease, termination
- Antonyms
- continuance, continuation
Learn More About CEASE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cease and desist order
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Ceará rubber
All Words Near: cease
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Ceará rubber
All Words Near: cease
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up cease? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
