desist

[dih-sist, -zist]

verb (used without object)

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

desist

/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of desist¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of desist¹

C15: from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere to leave off, stand apart, from _de- + sistere to stand, halt

Idioms and Phrases

see cease and desist.

Example Sentences

Ms Cox's lawyer sent the company a legal "cease and desist" letter, asking that it stop using the phrase, but she said the response described her as "bitter".

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One day he lit into Vanguard’s index funds and almost instantly received a cease and desist order from Vanguard’s attorneys.

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In the letter, the agency reminded the company that it “reserves the right to direct TBC to cease and desist construction activities” under the agreement.

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UN rights chief Volker Turk "renews his call on security forces to desist from unnecessary force and to uphold the rights to free association and peaceful assembly," it said.

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"I urge the security forces to desist from the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained protesters," Türk said in a statement on Monday.

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Related Words

• abstain 
• cease 
• relinquish