What is the act of stopping or ceasing something called?

The term that describes the act of stopping or ceasing something is known as cessation. Cessation refers specifically to the process of bringing something to an end or halting it entirely. This term is often used in various contexts, such as discussions about activities, behaviors, or processes that are being discontinued.

The other terms do not convey the same meaning. Persisting refers to continuing to exist or endure; it implies ongoing action rather than stopping. Continuation suggests the act of carrying on with something, which is the opposite of ceasing. A pause indicates a temporary stop or break but does not imply a complete cessation. Therefore, cessation is the most accurate choice for describing the act of stopping or ending something altogether.