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Discontinue: meaning, definitions and examples

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discontinue

 

[ˌdɪsˈkɒntɪnjuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

official

To cease production or supply of (something), typically permanently.

Synonyms

cease, end, halt, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discontinue

Use when something that is currently ongoing is intentionally stopped. Often used in formal or business contexts, such as products, services, or programs.

  • The company decided to discontinue the outdated software.
  • The magazine will discontinue its print edition next year.
halt

It implies a sudden or temporary stop, often used in situations requiring immediate action or intervention.

  • The train came to a sudden halt.
  • The police ordered the protesters to halt their march.
terminate

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to mean ending something permanently, such as contracts or employment. It often carries a strong and definitive connotation with potential negative implications.

  • The company decided to terminate his contract.
  • Her employment was terminated due to gross misconduct.
cease

This word is used to indicate a complete stop of an action or activity, typically more formal and dramatic. It can also imply an order or a necessity to stop.

  • Hostilities between the two countries must cease immediately.
  • Production ceased due to a lack of funds.
end

Appropriate for concluding something that had a planned duration or goal, such as events, periods, or relationships.

  • The movie ends with a surprising twist.
  • They decided to end their partnership amicably.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to discontinue the model due to low demand.
  • The manufacturer will discontinue the product line next year.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To stop using or providing (something).

Synonyms

abandon, cancel, stop, suspend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discontinue

Used when formally stopping a service, product, or activity permanently.

  • The company decided to discontinue the old software version
  • The product line will be discontinued next month
stop

A general term used when ceasing any action or process. It is straightforward and can apply to many situations.

  • Please stop talking
  • They stopped working on the project
suspend

Implies a temporary halt with the possibility of resuming later. Often used in official or formal contexts.

  • The meeting was suspended until further notice
  • His license was suspended for six months
cancel

Used when stopping an event or an arrangement that has been planned, often before it has begun.

  • The concert was canceled due to bad weather
  • They had to cancel their vacation plans
abandon

Implies leaving something completely, often due to its difficulty, danger, or hopelessness. It has a more emotional or dramatic tone and can have a negative connotation.

  • She had to abandon her car due to the flood
  • They abandoned the project when they ran out of funds

Examples of usage

  • I have decided to discontinue my gym membership.
  • The restaurant will discontinue the lunch special starting next week.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'discontinuare', meaning 'to break off'.
  • In Middle English, 'discontinue' was used in legal and business contexts to mean 'ceasing an action'.

Business

  • Companies often discontinue products to focus on more popular items or cut costs.
  • When a service or subscription is discontinued, customers may receive notice through emails or announcements.

Psychology

  • Discontinuation of certain habits or routines can lead to stress, as it disrupts what individuals find comfort in.
  • Changing familiar activities requires adjustment, often affecting a person's mood and motivation.

Technology

  • Discontinue is frequently seen in software updates, where old versions are phased out to improve security and functionality.
  • Video games may have certain features discontinued due to lack of player interest or technical issues.

Pop Culture

  • Popular TV shows may be discontinued after a few seasons, leading fans to campaign for a revival.
  • Certain fashion trends get discontinued, only to resurface years later as 'retro' or 'vintage'.

Translations

Translations of the word "discontinue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descontinuar

🇮🇳 बंद करना

🇩🇪 einstellen

🇮🇩 menghentikan

🇺🇦 припинити

🇵🇱 przerwać

🇯🇵 中止する

🇫🇷 interrompre

🇪🇸 descontinuar

🇹🇷 sonlandırmak

🇰🇷 중단하다

🇸🇦 إيقاف

🇨🇿 přerušit

🇸🇰 prerušiť

🇨🇳 停止

🇸🇮 prekiniti

🇮🇸 hætta

🇰🇿 тоқтату

🇬🇪 შეწყვეტა

🇦🇿 dayandırmaq

🇲🇽 descontinuar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,557, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.