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cesar

/θeˈsaɾ/
verb★Intermediate💡 to cease
formal

To stop or discontinue an action, process, or state.

Cesaron las negociaciones debido a desacuerdos.

The negotiations ceased due to disagreements.

El director cesó en su cargo el año pasado.

The director ceased in their position last year.

💡

Commonly used in formal or administrative contexts, such as legal, business, or governmental settings. Often implies a deliberate stop rather than an accidental one.

💼Business
formal

To fire or dismiss someone from a job.

La empresa cesó a varios empleados por recortes.

The company ceased several employees due to layoffs.

💡

Used in labor or employment contexts, typically in written or formal speech.

Collocations

cesar en el cargoto cease in the positioncesar la producciónto cease productioncesar las hostilidadesto cease hostilities

Synonyms

detenersuspenderacabarfinalizarterminar

Antonyms

continuarproseguirempezariniciar

Related Phrases

dar de bajaphrase
to discharge or remove from a list
poner fin aphrase
to put an end to

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Alternatives

In everyday conversation, prefer 'parar' (to stop) or 'dejar' (to stop/quit). Use 'cesar' in formal writing, legal documents, or when referring to official terminations (e.g., job dismissals or contract endings).

⚡Gold Rule

Conjugation Note

'Cesar' is a regular -ar verb. Its present subjunctive form 'cesar' is identical to the infinitive, which can cause confusion. For example: 'Espero que cese la lluvia' (I hope the rain ceases).

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'cessāre', meaning 'to delay, cease, or be idle'. The Latin root 'cedere' means 'to go' or 'to yield', which evolved into the sense of stopping or discontinuing an action.

📝Usage Notes

In modern Spanish, 'cesar' is often used in formal or written contexts. It is less common in everyday speech compared to synonyms like 'parar' or 'dejar'. The reflexive form 'cesarse' is rare and usually implies resignation or voluntary departure.

Word Breakdown

ces-
root related to stopping or yielding
root
+
-ar
infinitive verb ending
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés

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