desist

[dih-sist, -zist]

verb (used without object)

1. to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.

desist

/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

1. to cease, as from an action; stop or abstain

Other Word Forms

• desistance noun
• desistence noun
• nondesisting adjective
• undesisting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of desist¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere “to leave off,” equivalent to dē- de- + sistere “to stand, place,” akin to stāre “to stand” ( stand )

Word History and Origins

Origin of desist¹

C15: from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere to leave off, stand apart, from _de- + sistere to stand, halt

Idioms and Phrases

see cease and desist.

Example Sentences

On July 10, the band asked the government to cease and desist the use of its recording and pull down the video.

From Los Angeles Times

It has also sent seven "cease and desist" letters, and invited four finfluencers for interview.

From BBC

The company was fined $18 million, issued a cease and desist order and directed to restore areas that saw environmental damage.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem is that the charitable foundation sponsoring the project was issued a cease and desist order two years ago by the California attorney general’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

The California Coastal Commission has ordered Sable Offshore Corp. to cease and desist in its bid to revive oil drilling off the coast of Santa Barbara.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstain 
• cease 
• relinquish