Остановить(ся) / перестать

These two verbs are often confused by Russian learners because they both mean "to stop" in English. However, they are not interchangeable.

"Остановить(ся)" means to stop while you're walking, riding a bicycle, driving a car etc.

Сергей остановился перед домом. = Sergey stopped in front of the house.

Милиционер остановил машину. = The policeman stopped the car.

Поезд остановился на маленькой станции. = The train stopped at a little station.

"Перестать" means to stop doing something (other than walking, riding etc.)

Перестаньте шуметь! = Stop making noise!

Снег перестал. = The snow has stopped.

Дети перестали разговаривать и посмотрели на него. = The children stopped talking and looked at him.

Practice:  try this exercise