Cease, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ceased; p. pr. & vb. n. Ceasing.]
Etymology: [OE. cessen, cesen, F. cesser, fr. L. cessare, v. intemsive fr. cedere to withdraw. See Cede , and cf. Cessation.]
1. To come to an end; to stop; to leave off or give over; to desist; as, the noise ceased "To cease from strife." Prov. xx. 3.
2. To be wanting; to fail; to pass away. The poor shall never cease out of the land. Deut. xv. 11.
Syn. -- To intermit; desist; stop; abstain; quit; discontinue; refrain; leave off; pause; end.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Cease, v. t.
To put a stop to; to bring to an end. But he, her fears to cease Sent down the meek-eyed peace. Milton. Cease, then, this impious rage. Milton
Cease, n.
Extinction. [Obs.] Shak.
Shades of meaning
Strains of music may gradually or suddenly cease. A man quits work on the instant; he may discontinue a practise gradually; he quits suddenly and completely; he stops short in what he may or may not resume; he pauses in what he will probably resume. What intermits or is intermitted returns again, as a fever that intermits. Compare abandon; die; end; rest.
Prepositions
Cease from anger.