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

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

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

He directed all Catholic churches in the country to discontinue use of the old wine and urged priests to familiarise themselves with the new distribution guidelines and authorised outlets.

Read more on BBC

“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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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