desist
verb (used without object)
to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.
had desisted
-
past perfectof desist.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
They had never understood his books, and after he had shown them to one or two of the tribe and discovered that even the pictures carried no impression to their brains, he had desisted.
From Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Burroughs, Edgar Rice
"Be very careful what you are about" sputtered the creature, looking up when Captain E—— had desisted, and wiping the streaming grease from his face with his pocket-handkerchief.
From On the Fringe of the Great Fight by Nasmith, George G. (George Gallie)
Paul, tired with thumping, had desisted for a moment, but now had recommenced with increased energy.
From Paul the Peddler, or the Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant by Alger, Horatio
Had I but heard him—had I let him speak Half the truth—less—had I looked long on him 253I had desisted!
From Browning's England A Study in English Influences in Browning by Clarke, Helen Archibald
She had seemed so upset that he had asked her if it contained bad news, and she had replied in the negative with so much irritation that he had desisted from inquiries.
From Uneasy Money by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)
