verb
desist
dih-SIHST
Desist (verb) means to stop doing something, often used as a formal or legal instruction. Example: “The court ordered the company to desist from further advertising.”
verb
1
To stop doing something, often used as a formal or legal instruction.
"The court ordered the company to desist from further advertising."
"He was told to cease and desist immediately."
How to use desist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stop doing something, usually phrased formally.
When to use it
Fairly formal or legal in tone; in everyday speech people usually just say "stop."
Common pairings
cease and desist
desist from
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- desists
- Past tense
- desisted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The court ordered the company to _____ from further advertising.
Etymology
From Latin desistere, "to stand off, leave off" — from de- + sistere ("to stand, stop").
Related words
Rhymes for desist
See all rhymes for desist →Frequently asked questions
What does “desist” mean?
The word “desist” means to stop doing something, often used as a formal or legal instruction. In plain terms, to stop doing something, usually phrased formally.
How do you pronounce “desist”?
“Desist” is pronounced dih-SIHST (/dɪˈsɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “desist” in a sentence?
Here is “desist” used in a sentence: “The court ordered the company to desist from further advertising.”
What is the opposite of “desist”?
The opposite of “desist” — its antonyms — are continue, persevere, persist and proceed.
What part of speech is “desist”?
“Desist” is a verb.
Where does the word “desist” come from?
The word “desist” comes from Latin. From Latin desistere, "to stand off, leave off" — from de- + sistere ("to stand, stop").
