desistance

[ dih-sis-tuhns, -zis- ]

noun

1. the act or process of ceasing, especially from a criminal or antisocial behavior:

   Substance abuse has been found to hinder desistance in young adults' aggressive behavior.

Other Words From

• non·de·sist·ance non·de·sist·ence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desistance¹

desist ( def ) + -ance ( def )

Example Sentences

It was felt by them at the time to be an additional incentive to moderation, to sobriety, to desistance from extreme views.

From Project Gutenberg

All these charges were quieted by intrigue, bribery of the judges, or desistance of the accuser.

From Project Gutenberg

There are preachers of death: and the earth is full of those to whom desistance from life must be preached.

From Project Gutenberg

They have not yet become men, those terrible ones: may they preach desistance from life, and pass away themselves!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• closure
• completion
• consequence
• denouement
• development
• ending
• outcome
• result