Vocabulary Spotlight
Cessation
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The act of stopping or pausing something, either permanently or temporarily.
“The cessation of hostilities brought relief to the war-torn region.”
Pronunciation
[seh-sey-shuhn]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Termination
Pause
Abeyance
Interruption
Antonyms
Persistence
Resumption
Commencement
Prolongation
Related Words
Discontinuation
Abstention
Word Origin
The word “cessation” derives from the Latin word “cessatio,” meaning “a delay or ceasing.” It passed into Middle English in the 14th century, referring to a formal stoppage or suspension of activity. The root “cessare” in Latin means “to cease” or “to go slow.”
Word Family
Verb: Cease – To bring or come to an end.
Noun: Cessation – The act of stopping or ceasing.
Mnemonics
Cannot Ever Stay Stopped – “Cessation” refers to stopping something.
Think of “cease” in cessation as a clue that it means a stop or pause.
Industry-specific Usage
Medical
Cessation of smoking is often recommended for patients with respiratory diseases to improve health outcomes.
Legal
The cessation of an agreement indicates that all activities outlined within it are officially terminated.
Business
Temporary cessation of production may occur during maintenance or operational restructuring.
In Context
The cessation of activity can be a deliberate pause or an unintended interruption. In international relations, a cessation of hostilities might signal a truce or period for negotiations. In daily life, cessation often implies taking a step back or stopping to reflect or reorient oneself before proceeding with new plans.