desist

[ dih-sist, -zist ]

verb (used without object)

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

desist

/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• deˈsistance, noun

Other Words From

• de·sist·ance de·sist·ence noun
• non·de·sist·ing adjective noun
• un·de·sist·ing 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

The complaint says that Miramax sent Tarantino a cease-and-desist once they learned of the endeavor, which Tarantino ignored.

From Time

The agency has sent hundreds of warning letters to organizations for promoting a range of bogus coronavirus treatments, ordering them to cease and desist.

From Washington Post

Last month, Randle issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding the commission stop using her name or likeness to promote the official commemoration.

From Washington Post

In late April, the city issued a cease-and-desist notice to JOCO, which the company ignored.

From TechCrunch

The team has served 32 cease-and-desist orders in Carlsbad since December, Reyes said.

From Voice of San Diego

He said that when he told her to desist, she threatened to hit herself and then tell the cops that he had done it.

From The Daily Beast

Then there are the cases where the FEC does issue a cease and desist directive—only to be completely ignored.

From The Daily Beast

It is a place where cease-and-desist letters are hung on the wall with pride.

From The Daily Beast

It is not your duty to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.

From The Daily Beast

I hereby call on all Republicans involved in any voter suppression efforts to cease and desist immediately.

From The Daily Beast

The Jews flocked from all parts to assist in the work; but the combined forces were obliged to desist from the attempt.

From Project Gutenberg

She even threatens to strike the bell, when the Count de Carojac appears, and warns his rival to desist.

From Project Gutenberg

But Warren begged him to desist, confident as he was that any further attempt would result in ill to them.

From Project Gutenberg

And Friedrich did desist, in that direction, poor youth; but tried it the more in others.

From Project Gutenberg

But these clowns would not desist; they even added jeers and threats of violence if she did not leave the place.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abstain
• cease
• relinquish