I. ˈsēs verb
( ceased ; ceas·ing )
Etymology: Middle English cesen, from Anglo-French cesser, from Latin cessare to hold back, be remiss, frequentative of cedere
Date: 14th century
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
Synonyms: see stop
II. noun
Date: 14th century
: cessation — usually used with without