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Desist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desist

[dɪˈsɪst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To cease or abstain from action, especially in response to a formal or informal request.

Synonyms

abstain, cease, refrain, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desist

This is formal and often used in legal contexts or when giving a strong order to stop an action.

  • The police were ordered to desist from using excessive force.
  • Please desist from smoking in this area.
stop

This is a common and versatile word that can be used in many different situations to indicate the end of an action or movement.

  • Stop the car!
  • He needs to stop working so late.
cease

Used to signify a complete stop to an activity or state. It's often found in formal or technical contexts.

  • The factory will cease operations next month.
  • He never ceases to amaze me with his talent.
abstain

This is used when someone deliberately chooses not to do something, often for moral or health reasons.

  • He decided to abstain from drinking alcohol.
  • Many people abstain from voting during elections.
refrain

Used when someone holds themselves back from doing something they want to do, often out of politeness.

  • Please refrain from talking during the presentation.
  • She refrained from making any comments.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant was ordered to desist from contacting the victim.
  • The company was warned to desist from misleading advertising practices.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To stop doing something; to refrain from further action.

Synonyms

discontinue, end, halt, quit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desist

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe an order to stop doing something.

  • The court ordered the company to desist from releasing the pollutants
  • Please desist from making noise during the lecture
discontinue

Often used in business or medical contexts to indicate an official stopping of a product, service, or treatment.

  • The company decided to discontinue the outdated software
  • The doctor advised me to discontinue using that medication
halt

Used in situations requiring immediate stopping, often sudden, and can carry a sense of urgency.

  • The police ordered the vehicle to halt
  • Production came to a halt due to technical issues
end

General term used in various contexts to indicate the conclusion of activities, situations, or periods of time.

  • The movie ends at midnight
  • Their friendship ended after the argument
quit

Informal and everyday usage to describe stopping an activity or leaving a place, often voluntarily.

  • He decided to quit his job and travel the world
  • You should really quit smoking

Examples of usage

  • The protesters refused to desist until their demands were met.
  • Please desist from making noise in the library.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Terminology

  • In legal contexts, a party may be ordered to 'desist' from certain actions, like in injunctions.
  • Cease and desist letters are common in copyright infringement cases, requesting the offender stop using protected works.
  • Desisting can also be a formal process in settling disputes to avoid litigation.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Desisting can be linked to self-regulation, where individuals learn to control urges related to bad habits.
  • The concept is often studied in psychology to understand behavior modification and impulse control.
  • Research shows that the ability to desist from harmful behaviors is crucial for long-term mental health.

Literature

  • Desist often appears in classic literature to emphasize a character's struggle or decision to stop an action.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters frequently face moments where they are urged to desist from temptation.
  • The word conveys a sense of moral determination, often used in narratives of conflict resolution.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'cease and desist' has permeated popular culture, often seen in parody and comedy contexts.
  • Movies and TV shows frequently feature characters who must 'desist' from behaviors that lead to trouble.
  • In music, artists may use the term in lyrics, reflecting on personal growth and the need to stop negative patterns.

Origin of 'desist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'desistere', meaning 'to stand apart' or 'to stop'.
  • It combines 'de-' (from, down) with 'sistere' (to stand), implying a choice to stand down from an action.
  • The term has been in use since the late 14th century, evolving from Middle English.

The word 'desist' originated from the Latin word 'desistere', which means 'to stand down' or 'to cease'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of desisting from an action has often been associated with legal contexts and formal requests for cessation of activities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,985, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.