I. ˌsərˈsēs, sə̄ˈ-, səiˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English surcesen, alteration (influenced by cesen to cease) of sursesen, from Middle French sursis, past participle of surseoir to refrain, delay, from Latin supersedēre — more at supersede
intransitive verb
1. : to desist from or leave off some action : take a respite : discontinue a proceeding
2. : to come to an end : become discontinued : cease
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to put an end to : cause to cease : bring to an end
2. : to desist or refrain from : give up : abandon , discontinue
the hobbyhorse surceased his capering — Sir Walter Scott
II. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷, ˌsərˈ-, sə̄ˈ-, səiˈ- noun
( -s )
: cessation 1 ; especially : a temporary suspension, intermission, or respite
been in the public eye almost without surcease — Angelica Gibbs
finding … surcease from care — Cosmopolitan