Arrêter vs. cesser

When learning French, one may encounter verbs 'arrêter' and 'cesser', which can both be translated into English as 'to stop'. Though they share similarities, they are used in different contexts and have nuances that distinguish their use.

Arrêter

'Arrêter' is a verb that tends to imply stopping a specific action, movement, or process, often one that is ongoing or has a certain duration. It can also mean to arrest or detain.
Elle a décidé d'arrêter de fumer.
(She has decided to quit smoking.)
L'officier a arrêté le suspect.
(The officer arrested the suspect.)
Tu dois arrêter le moteur avant de faire le plein.
(You must stop the engine before refueling.)

Cesser

'Cesser' means to cease or to stop in a more general or abstract sense and does not necessarily imply an immediate halt of a physical action; it is often used in more formal contexts or with abstract concepts.
Les pluies ont cessé en début d'après-midi.
(The rains stopped in the early afternoon.)
Il a cessé de travailler chez eux le mois dernier.
(He stopped working for them last month.)
Cessez de penser à des choses négatives !
(Stop thinking about negative things!)

Summary

Both 'arrêter' and 'cesser' translate as 'to stop', yet 'arrêter' generally refers to stopping something specific, tangible or action-oriented, while 'cesser' conveys ceasing in broader terms or with intangible concepts, and is less abrupt than 'arrêter'. Understanding the context helps in choosing the appropriate verb for expressing cessation in French.