desist

[ dih-sist, -zist ]

verb (used without object)

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

desist

/ dɪˈzɪst /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• deˈsistance, noun

Other Words From

• de·sist·ance de·sist·ence noun
• non·de·sist·ing adjective noun
• un·de·sist·ing 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

In the week leading up to his death, it was revealed the singer was facing legal action from his ex-fiancee Maya Henry, who had issued a cease and desist order over what she described as "obsessive" contact.

From BBC

The advisory panel now seeks to audit the March primary, and one of its members in October joined a political separatist group in presenting the county with a “cease and desist” letter declaring the California election process to be “fraudulent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Registrars in at least 12 counties also reported receiving “cease and desist” letters from members of New California State, a group seeking to split the state along rural versus urban political ideologies.

From Los Angeles Times

Min accused Baugh of lying about his record and responded by sending a cease and desist letter to his opponent’s Huntington Beach home, according to a video posted on Min’s campaign website.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC has seen a cease and desist letter against the singer earlier this week from another of Payne's former partners, Maya Henry, which "pertains to alleged egregious conduct".

From BBC

Related Words

• abstain
• cease
• relinquish