cease
Translation
to stop, to end, to discontinue
Examples
The factory ceased operations last year.
The factory ceased operations last year.
They ceased to produce the old model.
They ceased to produce the old model.
The rain will cease soon.
The rain will cease soon.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to stop (sth.) The company will cease production.
((-ing)) to stop doing (sth.) The factory ceased operating last year.
((to-inf)) to stop doing (sth.) He ceased to be a member.
(intransitive) to stop The fighting has ceased.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stop, end, halt; Antonyms: start, begin, continue
Etymology
From Latin 'cessare', meaning 'to stop'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as a more formal version of 'stop'. Often heard in the command 'Cease fire!'