desistance

American

[dih-sis-tuhns, -zis-] / dɪˈsɪs təns, -ˈzɪs- /

Sometimes desistence

noun

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 Word Forms

nondesistance noun
nondesistence noun

Etymology

Origin of desistance

desist ( def. ) + -ance ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Voting is “part of a package of pro-social behavior that is linked to desistance from crime.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2022

Rather, they use the threat of certain but nonsevere punishments to encourage people to find their own paths to desistance.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2021

The most frequently cited desistance statistic is that around 80 percent of kids who experience gender dysphoria will go on to be cisgender adults.

From The Verge • Jul. 30, 2021

The idea that many trans kids will grow out of it is referred to in research as desistance.

From The Verge • Jul. 30, 2021

Not that mental activity which is spontaneous and enjoyable does the mischief; but that which is persevered in after a hot or aching head commands desistance.

From Essays on Education and Kindred Subjects Everyman's Library by Spencer, Herbert

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023