The word "surcease" is spelled with three syllables: /sərˈsiːs/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short vowel sound, "suh," and the "r" is pronounced with a slight emphasis. The second syllable is also short, "seez," and the "c" is pronounced as an "s" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, "ees." "Surcease" means to come to an end or stop, often used in reference to a troubling or unwanted situation.
The word surcease originated from Old French sursis, which meant a respite or delay. This French term comes from the verb surseoir, meaning to suspend or delay. In turn, sursis was derived from the Latin phrase sursum sedere, which translates to to sit up. Over time, the meaning of sursis shifted to refer to a temporary stop or delay, which eventually gave rise to the term surcease.