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Cease Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cease

[siːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to stop

Cease means to come to an end or bring to an end. It is often used to indicate the stopping of something that is in progress. Cease is a formal or literary term.

Synonyms

end, halt, stop.

Examples of usage

  • The rain will cease by the afternoon.
  • Please cease talking during the movie.
Context #2 | Noun

the end of something

As a noun, cease refers to the end or termination of something. It can also refer to a pause or break in action.

Synonyms

end, pause, termination.

Examples of usage

  • The ceasefire marked a temporary cease in hostilities.
  • The cease of the music signaled the end of the performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often ‘cease’ their actions in moments of reflection or decision-making.
  • Famous poems and songs frequently use 'cease' to convey longing for rest or an end to conflict.
  • In modern literature, 'cease' is often symbolic of the end of relationships or significant changes.

Psychology

  • Cessation is often linked to relief in therapeutic contexts, where stopping harmful behavior leads to healing.
  • Research shows that deciding to cease a repetitive action can strengthen self-control and personal agency.
  • Mindfulness practices often emphasize the importance of ceasing negative thought patterns to achieve mental peace.

History

  • Historical treaties often include the word 'cease' to indicate the end of hostilities or conflicts.
  • The term 'cease and desist' has legal origins, used to formally prevent someone from continuing an action.
  • In various social movements, the call to 'cease' certain behaviors has sparked significant change.

Pop Culture

  • 'Cease' has appeared in several hit songs, often focusing on ending relationships or stopping negative situations.
  • In movies, a character might shout 'cease' to command others to stop fighting or arguing, adding drama to the scene.
  • The phrase 'cease fire' is frequently heard in action films during intense battle sequences, highlighting moments of pause.

Origin of 'cease'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French 'cesser', which means to stop or discontinue.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'cessare' meaning to delay, pause, or give up.
  • In earlier forms, it connected to the idea of stopping oneself from action.

The word 'cease' comes from the Old French word 'cesser', which has its roots in the Latin word 'cessare', meaning 'to leave off, cease, be idle'. The word has been used in English since the 14th century.

See also: ceaseless, ceaselessly, ceaselessness, deceased, unceasing, unceasingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,961, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.