discontinuance

[ dis-kuhn-tin-yoo-uhns ]

noun

1. the act or state of discontinuing or the state of being discontinued; cessation:

   the discontinuance of a business.

2. Law. the termination of a suit by the act of the plaintiff, as by notice in writing, or by neglect to take the proper adjournments to keep it pending.

Other Words From

• nondis·con·tinu·ance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinuance¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French; dis- ¹, continuance

Related Words

• break