discontinue

[ dis-kuhn-tin-yoo ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·con·tin·ued, dis·con·tin·u·ing.

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)

, dis·con·tin·ued, dis·con·tin·u·ing.

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)

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈtinuance, noun
• ˌdisconˈtinuer, noun
• ˌdisconˌtinuˈation, noun

Other Words From

• discon·tinu·er noun
• undis·con·tinued 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

The department’s proposal would discontinue that policy and establish a three-year phase out for any companies with existing certificates.

From Salon

The company discontinued mineral-based talc in North America in 2020 - and followed suit in the UK last year - replacing it with cornstarch.

From BBC

With this season of “Housewives,” Beauvais’ fifth, she has had to contend with Jax’s decision to discontinue appearing in the series after experiencing online bullying.

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, it said it was permanently discontinuing the production of liverwurst and was closing the Jarratt plant for good.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem is that his agenda, as articulated in Project 2025, wants to discontinue temporary worker visas.

From Salon

Related Words

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