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Synonyms

desist

American  
[dih-sist, -zist] / dɪˈsɪst, -ˈzɪst /

verb (used without object)

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


desist British  
/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

desist Idioms  

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Discovery, Paramount and Disney have all sent individual cease and desist letters, detailing the unauthorized reproduction of each of the studios’ copyrighted intellectual property.

From Los Angeles Times

The paediatrician said while some children did follow a medical pathway there were some "who go through two or three years of gender questioning and then desist".

From BBC

“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