Cease refers to the formal action taken by one party to stop or terminate a specific action, process, or obligation, often in response to a legal claim or demand. In legal contexts, it signifies the cessation of an ongoing duty, liability, or action.
Imagine 'cease' means stopping something right away. If someone is doing something wrong, 'cease' means telling them to stop immediately. It’s like saying, 'Stop doing this now!'
It is crucial in legal documents because it establishes the termination of a right, a claim, or a required action. It defines the end point for disputes, obligations, or liabilities mentioned within contracts and litigation.
Visual model
A plaintiff filing a motion to 'cease' the defendant's ongoing tortious act.
A contract clause stating that if one party defaults, the other party must 'cease' all obligations.
Document context
The formal declaration or action taken by a party to terminate an ongoing legal obligation, lawsuit, contractual duty, or specific activity.
It is crucial in legal documents because it establishes the termination of a right, a claim, or a required action. It defines the end point for disputes, obligations, or liabilities mentioned within contracts and litigation.
When a party formally decides to stop an ongoing tort, breach of contract, or wrongful act, often as part of a settlement agreement or legal defense strategy.
In pleadings, motion papers, settlement agreements, and formal legal correspondence where one party seeks to end the proceedings or obligation.
Affected parties include the plaintiff who seeks to stop the defendant's action, the defendant who is being asked to cease, and the opposing party whose duty is being terminated.
It works by formally declaring that a specific legal action, claim, or obligation has ended. This often involves demonstrating that the original cause of action or contractual requirement has been fulfilled or extinguished.
Related terms
Share
Copy the link, open native sharing, or scan the QR code from another device.
Scan to open this glossary page on another device.
Wikipedia
Cease may refer to: CEASE therapy, a purported treatment for autism Cease (surname), a surname
Open on WikipediaKnowledge graph
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Move from term to document
Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.