Desist: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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• The company decided to discontinue the outdated software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

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

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

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