WordGarden.iocessation
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sɛsˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌsɛˈseɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the stopping or ending of something
Beyond the definition
Imagine a bustling factory suddenly falling silent – that's cessation. It's more than just stopping; it suggests that something has come to a complete halt, whether it's noise, activity, or even a habit. A ceasefire is a cessation of hostilities, meaning the fighting has stopped. You might experience a temporary cessation of pain after taking medicine, but that doesn't necessarily mean the underlying problem is gone. The word carries a sense of formality and finality, even when the stop turns out to be temporary.
Cessation refers to the stopping of something, especially a complete stop. It's a formal word often used when a process, activity, or condition comes to an end—sometimes abruptly, sometimes gradually. Think of the cessation of a service, meaning it is no longer provided; or the cessation of rainfall after a long storm.
The word originates from the Latin cessare, meaning "to stop" and also "to be idle" or "to rest." This root gives it a sense of stillness that distinguishes it from simpler words like "stop" or "pause." While those often imply a brief break, cessation suggests a more decisive end (or at least a full stop at that moment).
You'll often encounter "cessation" in legal, medical, or technical contexts. For example: "The doctor confirmed the cessation of her heartbeat" is a stark and definitive statement. Or, "The company announced the cessation of production at its overseas factory."
However, it can also be used more broadly to describe the ending of habits or behaviors. A smoker might struggle with the cessation of smoking, meaning they're trying to quit completely. A politician might call for a cessation of hostilities in a conflict zone to allow for peace talks.
So, while simply stopping something is common, cessation implies a more complete and often significant ending—a point where things truly come to rest.
Examples
- 1
Conflict
After days of fighting, both sides agreed to a temporary cessation of hostilities.
- Usagecessation of hostilities
a stop to fighting; common in news and official language
- 2
Funding
The project was delayed because of the sudden cessation of funding.
- 3
Employment status
Your access to the company system ends upon cessation of employment.
- Usageupon cessation of employment
when your job ends; common in legal or official writing
- 4
Health program
She enrolled in a smoking cessation program at the clinic.
- Domainsmoking cessation
treatment or support to help people stop smoking
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- smoking cessation
- cessation of hostilities
- cessation of symptoms
- complete cessation
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- cessationnoun
Forms
- cessationspluralnoun