usually a surprising motion. In the figurative sense,
_catch_ is used of any act that brings a person or thing into our power
or possession; as, to _catch_ a criminal in the act; to _catch_ an idea,
in the sense of _apprehend_ or _comprehend_. Compare ARREST.

Antonyms:

fail of, give up, lose, release, throw aside,
fall short of, let go, miss, restore, throw away.

Prepositions:

To catch _at_ a straw; to catch a fugitive _by_ the collar; to catch a
ball _with_ the left hand; he caught the disease _from_ the patient; the
thief was caught _in_ the act; the bird _in_ the snare.

* * * * *

CAUSE.

Synonyms:

actor, causality, designer, occasion, precedent,
agent, causation, former, origin, reason,
antecedent, condition, fountain, originator, source,
author, creator, motive, power, spring.

The efficient _cause_, that which makes anything to be or be done, is
the common meaning of the word, as in the saying "There is no effect
without a _cause_." Every man instinctively recognizes himself acting
through will as the _cause_ of his own actions. The _Creator_ is the
Great First _Cause_ of all things. A _condition_ is something that
necessarily precedes a result, but does not produce it. An _antecedent_
simply precedes a result, with or without any agency in producing it;
as, Monday is the invariable _antecedent_ of Tuesday, but not the
_cause_ of it. The direct antonym of _cause_ is _effect_, while that of
_antecedent_ is _consequent_. An _occasion_ is some event which brings a
_cause_ into action at a particular moment; gravitation and heat are the
_causes_ of an avalanche; the steep incline of the mountain-side is a
necessary _condition_, and the shout of the traveler may be the
_occasion_ of its fall. _Causality_ is the doctrine or principle of
causes, _causation_ the action or working of causes. Compare DESIGN;
REASON.

Antonyms:

consequence, development, end, fruit, outcome, product,
creation, effect, event, issue, outgrowth, result.

Prepositions:

The cause _of_ the disaster; cause _for_ interference.

* * * * *

CEASE.

Synonyms:

abstain, desist, give over, quit,
bring to an end, discontinue, intermit, refrain,
come to an end, end, leave off, stop,
conclude, finish, pause,