surcease

[ sur-sees ]

verb (used without object)

, sur·ceased, sur·ceas·ing.

1. to cease from some action; desist.
2. to come to an end.

verb (used with object)

, sur·ceased, sur·ceas·ing.

1. Archaic. to cease from; leave off.

noun

1. cessation; end.

surcease

/ sɜːˈsiːs /

noun

1. cessation or intermission

verb

1. to desist from (some action)
2. to cease or cause to cease

Word History and Origins

Origin of surcease¹

1400–50; sur- ¹ + cease; replacing late Middle English sursesen (v.) < Middle French sursis (past participle of surseoir ) < Latin supersessus (past participle of supersedēre to forbear; supersede ), equivalent to super- super- + sed ( ēre ) sit ¹ + -tus past participle suffix, with dt > ss

Word History and Origins

Origin of surcease¹

C16: from earlier sursesen, from Old French surseoir, from Latin supersedēre; see supersede

Example Sentences

“We plan to be on the air right straight through the primary, without surcease,” Lugar says.

From The Daily Beast

Imprisoning slopes seemed to be shutting them in without surcease, and Helen looked in vain for any aid.

From Project Gutenberg

We must speak frankly in order that afflicted consciences may find surcease.

From Project Gutenberg

Here I surcease from the pleasant labours which have amused the few lonely hours that my various duties left me.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was the mere reactionary surcease of prolonged pain, and the fit came on again in uglier guise before he left.

From Project Gutenberg

The Duke sent to him a tunne of wine, and granted a surcease of hostilitie for one day, to furnish him with water.

From Project Gutenberg