Ending a Workflow

I have active workflows that I need to end. In all the documentation I've read about workflows, I can't find anything about exactly what happens when I deactivate a workflow. Based on what I found (below) does it continue sending emails in the workflow for those already in it or do they stop immediately? Then when it's deactivated I see I can delete the workflow. Exactly what does this do? Here's all I've found:

• Deactivation vs. Deletion:

Deactivating a workflow removes it from active use but doesn't delete it from the system. You can reactivate it later if needed. 

• Effect on Running Instances:

Deactivating a workflow does not cancel running instances of that workflow. You may need to manually cancel or complete those instances separately.