discontinue

American  

[dis-kuhn-tin-yoo] / ˌdɪs kənˈtɪn yu /

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).

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verb (used without object)

discontinued, discontinuing

1. to come to an end or stop; cease; desist.

discontinue British  

/ 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)

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Related Words

See interrupt.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of discontinue

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French discontinuer, from Medieval Latin discontinuāre. See dis- ¹, continue

Example Sentences

Sony Honda Mobility—a joint venture between the two Japanese companies—has decided to discontinue the development and launch of its first model, the Afeela 1, as well as a second vehicle that had been under development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"In our future work, we will examine the comparative effectiveness of alternative treatment options for obesity in patients who discontinue semaglutide or tirzepatide, to help patients and their clinicians make informed decisions."

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

The report is calling on IJBs together with their NHS and council partners to make decisions urgently on where to redesign, reduce or discontinue services.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Meanwhile, the company announced plans to discontinue its frozen drink products.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

She was going to discontinue carrying the unlucky peacock-blue nail polish.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Related Words

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