desist

American  

[dih-sist, -zist] / dɪˈsɪst, -ˈzɪst /

verb (used without object)

1. to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.

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desist British  

/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

1. to cease, as from an action; stop or abstain

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desist Idioms  

1. see cease and desist.

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Other Word Forms

• desistance noun
• desistence noun
• nondesisting adjective
• undesisting adjective

Etymology

Origin of desist

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere “to leave off,” equivalent to dē- de- + sistere “to stand, place,” akin to stāre “to stand” ( stand )

Example Sentences

“Clearly, the Kalogeras were not interested in an apology. They got what they wanted … ‘content’ that they could exploit for clicks,” stated the cease and desist.

From Los Angeles Times

However AES Andes announced late last month that it had "decided to desist from the execution of the Inna project" and instead focus on renewable energy and energy storage.

From Barron's

In October, it sent a cease and desist letter to Perplexity.

From Barron's

The Writers Guild of America, which also went on strike over issues including AI, praised Disney’s cease and desist letter to Google in an email to members.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some have issued cease and desist orders against prediction market platforms, while others, such as Massachusetts, have sued them.

From Barron's

Related Words

• abstain
• cease
• relinquish