IPA: /siːs/
KK: /si:s/
To come to an end or stop doing something.
The rain will cease by tomorrow morning.
Past: ceased
Past Participle: ceased
A stopping or ending of something, often used to describe a pause in activity.
The workers took a brief cease to rest before continuing their tasks.
To stop doing something or to bring something to an end.
The company decided to cease operations due to financial difficulties.
Past: ceased
Past Participle: ceased
Cease originates from Old French 'ceser' (meaning to stop or cease) and is derived from Latin 'cessare' (meaning to stop or cease). The word 'cease' means to bring to an end or stop doing something.
Think of the Old French word 'ceser' which means to stop — this helps you remember that 'cease' means to bring something to an end.