desist
verb (used without object)
to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.
have desisted
-
present perfectof desist.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
I should have desisted, I should not have seen what I saw.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
He ought to have desisted from his project.
From The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2. From 1620-1816 by Egerton Ryerson
They wrote to the Duke such strong remonstrances that he appears to have desisted from the design, for they heard no more of it.
From The Greville Memoirs A Journal of the Reigns of King George IV and King William IV, Vol. I by Henry Reeve
In a very little while he would have desisted from what he knew to be a vain undertaking.
From The House in the Water A Book of Animal Stories by Charles Livingston Bull
Had he not been so much in love with Gladys, he would have desisted; as it was, the more he bumped and bruised himself, the more determined he was to go on trying.
From The Sorcery Club by Elliott O'Donnell
