cease
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
to come to an end; to stop happening or existing.
To bring an activity, process, or state to a conclusion; to desist or discontinue.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Emphasizes a definite, often permanent, termination. Often used in legal, official, or solemn contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Ceasefire' is universally used. Slightly more common in formal American administrative language.
Connotations
Same formal, legal, or official connotation in both variants.
Frequency
Higher frequency in formal written contexts (legal documents, news, official reports) in both dialects. Less common in casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cease + V-ing (He ceased writing.)cease + to-inf (It ceased to function.)cease + N (They ceased all operations.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cease and desist”
- “without cease”
- “cease to amaze”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal announcements of closure or termination (e.g., 'The company will cease manufacturing at the old plant.')
Academic
Used in formal writing to denote the end of a phenomenon or process (e.g., 'The reaction ceased after 30 minutes.')
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; used in set phrases like 'never ceases to amaze me'.
Technical
Used in legal orders ('cease and desist'), military contexts ('ceasefire'), and formal protocols.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rain ceased by midday.
- The factory ceased production in 2020.
- He never ceases to amaze his colleagues.
American English
- The company ceased operations last quarter.
- She ceased all communication with them.
- If the violations do not cease, legal action will follow.
adjective
British English
- He was granted cease-free access for the duration. (rare/technical)
American English
- A cease-and-desist letter was issued. (as part of a compound)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The music ceased and everyone clapped.
- Please cease talking during the film.
- The government ordered the group to cease its illegal activities.
- The old tradition has now ceased to exist.
- Hostilities must cease immediately for meaningful negotiations to begin.
- The enzyme's activity ceases abruptly when the pH changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CEASE' as 'C(ompletely) E(nd) A(ll) S(tate) E(vents)' - a complete stop.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVING IS ACTIVITY; STOPPING IS CEASING. (e.g., 'The project came to a halt' / 'The project ceased.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'засесть' (to sit down firmly/settle in).
- The Russian verb 'прекращать' is a close equivalent, but 'cease' is more formal.
- Avoid translating 'stop doing something' in casual contexts as 'cease'; use 'stop'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'stop' is better (e.g., 'I ceased watching TV' is unnatural).
- Incorrect pattern: 'cease from doing' (correct: 'cease doing' or 'cease to do').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cease' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Cease' is more formal, final, and often used in official or legal contexts. 'Stop' is neutral and used in all registers.
Yes, but 'cease doing something' is slightly more common. 'Cease to do' can sound more formal or literary (e.g., 'cease to exist').
No, it is a C1-level formal word. In everyday speech, 'stop', 'end', or 'finish' are far more common.
It is a temporary suspension of fighting, typically agreed upon by the parties involved in a conflict.