Cessation, n.
Etymology: [F. cessation, L. cessatio, fr. cessare. See Cease.]
A ceasing of discontinuance, as of action, whether termporary or final; a stop; as, a cessation of the war. The temporary cessation of the papal iniquities. Motley. The day was yearly observed for a festival by cessation from labor. Sir J. Hayward. Cessation of arms (Mil.), an armistice, or truce, agreed to by the commanders of armies, to give time for a capitulation, or for other purposes.
Syn. -- Stop; rest; stay; pause; discontinuance; intermission; interval; respite; interruption; recess; remission.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for cessation; he lists it under end, rest.
Where he writes about it:
Rest is a cessation of activity especially of wearying or painful activity. — from rest
Repose is more complete than rest; a pause is a momentary cessation of activity; a black-smith finds a temporary rest while the iron is heating, but he does not yield to repose; in a pause of battle a soldier rests on his arms; after the battle the victor reposes on his laurels. — from rest
In the figurative sense, rest of mind, soul, conscience, is not mere cessation of activity, but a pleasing, tranquil relief from all painful and wearying activity; repose is even more deep, tranquil, and complete. — from rest
Synonyms
endrestaccomplishmentachievementboundboundarycalmcalmnessclosecompletionconclusionconsequenceconsummationdesigneaseeffectexpirationextentextremityfinalefinisfinishfulfilmentgoalintentintermissionissuelimitoutcomepausepeacepeacefulnessperiodpointpurposequiescencequietquietnessquietuderecreationreposeresultsleepslumberstaystillnessstopterminationterminustiptranquillityutmostuttermost