Cease
/siːs/
Definitions
To stop; to bring to an end.
/siːs/
To bring or come to an end.
The rain ceased, and the sun came out.
💡 Simply: Imagine a raging storm at sea. When it 'ceases,' it calms down and stops completely. That's what cease means - to stop something.
👶 For kids: To stop doing something.
More Examples
He ceased his complaining when he received a gift.
How It's Used
"The fighting ceased after a long and bloody battle."
"The court ordered the company to cease and desist its illegal activities."
Idioms & expressions
cease and desist
A legal order to stop doing something.
"The court issued a cease and desist order against the company."
From Old French cesser, from Latin cessare "to go away, stop," frequentative of cedere "to yield, go," from PIE root *ked- "to yield, give way."
The word 'cease' has maintained its core meaning of stopping or ending throughout history, appearing frequently in legal and military contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'seas' ceasing to rage.