The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cessation \Ces*sa"tion\ (s[e^]s*s[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [F.
   cessation, L. cessatio, fr. cessare. See Cease.]
   A ceasing or discontinuance, as of action, whether temporary
   or final; a stop; as, a cessation of the war.
   [1913 Webster]

         The temporary cessation of the papal iniquities.
                                                  --Motley.
   [1913 Webster]

         The day was yearly observed for a festival by cessation
         from labor.                              --Sir J.
                                                  Hayward.
   [1913 Webster]

   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.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

cessation
    n 1: a stopping; "a cessation of the thunder" [syn: cessation,
         surcease]