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Discontinue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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  • The company decided to discontinue the outdated software.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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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'.

Origin of 'discontinue'

Main points about word origin

  • 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'.

The word 'discontinue' originated from the Latin word 'discontinuare', which means 'to cease, break off'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'discontinue' has maintained its essence of stopping or ceasing something, whether it be production, supply, or usage. The term has been commonly used in various industries and contexts to indicate the cessation of an activity or service.

See also: continual, continually, continuance, continuation, continuing, continuity, continuous, continuously, discontinuance, discontinuation, discontinued, discontinuity, discontinuous.

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.