noun
cessation
seh-SAY-shuhn/seˈseɪʃn/
The stopping or ending of an activity or process.
The curl of smoke marks the cessation of the candle's burning.
Etymology
The root covers delaying or ceasing, and the ending makes that action a noun. The selected meaning emphasizes stopping altogether, rather than merely interrupting or postponing an activity.
In context
opinion on the legality of such a trial now speed concludes that the use of a Military Tribunal would be proper then an attack on the commander-in-chief before the full cessation of the Rebellion constituted an act of war
More examples
- The sudden cessation of noise wakes her.
- Workers welcome the cessation of the dangerous operation.
- The clinic offers a smoking cessation program.
Forms
cessation · cessations
Similar words
- ending
- The general term for something coming to a finish.
- suspension
- Usually implies a temporary halt rather than a final ending.