The term CEASES TO FUNCTION can be expressed in two words: DIES (4 letters) and GIVESUPTHEGHOST (15 letters). The term 'dies' is used to describe when something stops functioning, usually due to a lack of energy or power. The phrase 'gives up the ghost' is an idiom that means to stop functioning, usually due to age or wear and tear. Both terms are used to describe when something stops working and no longer functions.