cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a temporary or final ceasing (as of action) : stop

mutually agreed to a cessation of fighting

Synonyms

• arrest
• arrestment
• cease
• check
• close
• closedown
• closure
• conclusion
• cutoff
• discontinuance
• discontinuation
• end
• ending
• expiration
• finish
• halt
• lapse
• offset
• shutdown
• shutoff
• stay
• stop
• stoppage
• surcease
• termination

Examples of cessation in a Sentence

Relapses after cessation of treatment are common.

the cessation of the snowstorm was a relief

Recent Examples on the Web

Before raising premiums for tobacco use, employers must offer people an opportunity to quit smoking through counseling, nicotine-replacement gum or patch or other smoking cessation treatments. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025

Some of these effects are reversed by smoking cessation. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

The same family of contaminants triggered past recalls of the heartburn drug Zantac, the diabetes drug metformin and the smoking cessation medication Chantix. —Anthony Robledo, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024

The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, mandates a 60-day cessation of violence. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cessacioun, from Middle French cessation, from Latin cessation-, cessatio delay, idleness, from cessare to delay, be idle — more at cease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a stopping of action