Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/siːs/

Definitions

• To bring or come to an end.
• To stop doing something, to halt or discontinue an activity.
• To terminate or suspend an action, process, or condition.

Usage Examples

• He decided to cease his work and take a break.
• After hours of negotiating, the talks finally ceased.
• The company ceased operations last year due to financial issues.

Etymology

The word "cease" comes from the Old French "ceser" (to stop, discontinue), which itself comes from the Latin "cessare," meaning "to be idle or cease." The term has been used in English since the early Middle Ages.

Synonyms

• Stop
• Halt
• Discontinue
• Terminate
• End

Antonyms

• Begin
• Commence
• Start
• Continue
• Persist

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "cease" may slightly differ. In British English, it is often pronounced with a sharper "s" sound, while in American English, it may sound slightly softer. Regional accents may also influence the vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The word "cease" has been used for centuries, with its roots in Old French and Latin. Historically, it has been commonly used in legal and formal contexts, such as contracts, laws, and treaties, where cessation of activities or agreements is a key term. The phrase "cease and desist" became widely known in the 20th century in legal documents.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the concept of "cease" can be seen in various contexts, such as in religious teachings where it signifies the stopping of negative actions or in military contexts where "ceasefire" refers to the halting of fighting. In some indigenous cultures, the act of ceasing could be seen as a way to bring peace and balance within communities.

More Information

Cease is often used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal language, it can refer to stopping an official action or procedure, such as a ceasefire agreement between nations. In informal language, it is commonly used to describe someone halting a personal activity, like ceasing to speak or working. The word has also seen usage in phrases like "cease and desist" or "cease to exist," where it plays an important role in conveying the end of an action or existence.