verb · B2

Cease

SEES/siːs/

To cease is a formal stop: cease trading, cease fire, the noise ceased. Stop is the everyday verb; cease belongs in notices, law, and news. Patterns include cease + -ing and cease to + verb. You do not usually cease a cup of tea — the object is an activity or a process. Cessation is a rare, official noun.

Meaning

To stop happening or to stop doing something.

Examples

“The noise ceased after midnight.”
“The factory will cease production in June.”
“Please cease using the old login after Friday.”

Good to know

Formal for stop. cease + -ing / cease to + verb. Everyday: stop.

Near in meaning

stop

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