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Desist: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

arrow down
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  • The company decided to discontinue the outdated software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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "desist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desistir

🇮🇳 रुकना

🇩🇪 aufhören

🇮🇩 berhenti

🇺🇦 припиняти

🇵🇱 przestać

🇯🇵 やめる

🇫🇷 cesser

🇪🇸 cesar

🇹🇷 vazgeçmek

🇰🇷 그만두다

🇸🇦 توقف

🇨🇿 přestat

🇸🇰 prestať

🇨🇳 停止

🇸🇮 prenehati

🇮🇸 hætta

🇰🇿 тоқтату

🇬🇪 გაჩერდება

🇦🇿 dayanmaq

🇲🇽 cesar

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.