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Desisting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desisting

[dɪˈzɪstɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

stopping an action

Desisting is the act of ceasing to continue an action, often one that is harmful or undesirable. This term is commonly used in legal contexts to describe the act of refraining from certain behavior or actions, especially after being encouraged or required to do so. Desisting can often represent a change in behavior for various reasons, such as personal choice, external pressure, or social influence.

Synonyms

abandoning, ceasing, quitting, stopping.

Examples of usage

  • He is desisting from smoking after many years.
  • The children were desisting from arguing when their parents arrived.
  • After receiving advice, she started desisting from negative thoughts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, desisting relates to stopping a certain behavior, like ceasing to commit a crime.
  • A court may order desisting actions, meaning individuals must stop doing something deemed harmful or illegal.
  • Desisting can play a role in rehabilitation, where individuals are encouraged to refrain from previous harmful behaviors.

Psychology

  • Desisting can be linked to overcoming habits or addictions, indicating a significant life change.
  • Research shows that the process of desisting often involves motivation from personal values or external support.
  • The concept emphasizes the importance of social environment in one's ability to cease unwanted behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • In popular literature, characters often experience a moment of desisting from bad choices, leading to transformative journeys.
  • The phrase 'desisting from violence' appears frequently in social movements aiming for peace.
  • A famous song might include themes of desisting self-destructive behaviors, resonating with many listeners.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue about the morality of desisting from certain actions, often questioning the reasons behind such a choice.
  • In ethical discussions, desisting from harmful actions is viewed as a moral obligation.
  • Concepts of free will often incorporate the idea of desisting, suggesting individuals have power over their decisions.

Origin of 'desisting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'desistere', which means 'to stop.'
  • It combines 'de-' (completely) and 'sistere'(to stand), implying a complete stopping.
  • The term has been in use in English since the late 15th century.

The word 'desisting' has its origins in the Latin term 'desistere', which means 'to stand down' or 'to stop'. It is composed of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'from' and 'sistere', meaning 'to stand'. The adaptation of this term into Middle English occurred around the late 14th to early 15th centuries as a way to describe the act of stopping an action. Since then, it has evolved in usage and is now frequently used in modern English, particularly in legal and psychological contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,046, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.