discontinue

[dis-kuhn-tin-yoo]

verb (used with object)

discontinued, discontinuing 

1. to put an end to; stop; terminate.

   to discontinue nuclear testing.

   Antonyms: resume

2. to cease to take, use, subscribe to, etc..

   to discontinue a newspaper.

3. Law.,  to terminate or abandon (a suit, claim, or the like).

verb (used without object)

discontinued, discontinuing 

1. to come to an end or stop; cease; desist.

discontinue

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjuː /

verb

1. to come or bring to an end; interrupt or be interrupted; stop

2. (tr) law to terminate or abandon (an action, suit, etc)

Other Word Forms

• discontinuer noun
• undiscontinued adjective
• discontinuance noun
• discontinuation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinue¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French discontinuer, from Medieval Latin discontinuāre. See dis- ¹, continue

Synonym Study

See interrupt.

Example Sentences

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to discontinue its annual survey tracking food security data is deeply troubling,” Mitchell said in his Sunday statement.

From Salon

It was abruptly discontinued after Stephen Colbert made critical remarks against the president.

From BBC

The government also asks the school to discontinue any race- and ethnicity-based scholarships.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those players were expected to try to transfer to other schools after Bishop Montgomery discontinued varsity football.

From Los Angeles Times

"The announcements created a furore in the community. Many readers wrote to us, asking us to discontinue the practice. But we didn't," Mr Patel says.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon 
• break off 
• cease 
• give up 
• halt 
• interrupt 
• quit 
• suspend 
• terminate