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

Everyone in the study also underwent cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation over the course of 13 weeks. —Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026

In effect, the strait has turned into a parking lot, with an almost complete cessation of ships going through, experts and marine traffic monitoring services say. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

Furthermore, the sudden cessation of flow in the pipeline triggers transient pressure surges, known as water-hammer effects, which propagate as high-velocity shockwaves through the fluid column. —Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026

And legislators were deeply divided in the current discussions about demanding the cessation of hostilities against Iran. —Sarah Burns, The Conversation, 4 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