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

The Houthis and their Iranian benefactors saved face by insisting that the reduction in the attacks was inspired by the temporary cessation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. —The Editors, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025

The group had accused Israel last week of violating the truce by cutting off humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where Israel then conducted a series of large-scale strikes late Monday despite the cessation of hostilities. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

The ceasefire would include a cessation of all military activities — missiles, drones and bombs fired from land, sea and air. —Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025

Absent, however, from the statement was the type of security guarantee Ukrainians say is necessary to deter Russia from invading following a cessation of hostilities. —arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for cessation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation
• conflation

Kids Definition

cessation

noun

ces·​sa·​tion se-ˈsā-shən 

: a stopping of action