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

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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On July 10, the band asked the government to cease and desist the use of its recording and pull down the video.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It has also sent seven "cease and desist" letters, and invited four finfluencers for interview.

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Related Words

• abstain 
• cease 
• relinquish