First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
desist
verb de·sist \di-ˈsist, -ˈzist, dē-\
: to stop doing something
Full Definition of DESIST
intransitive verb
: to cease to proceed or act
— de·sis·tance \-ˈsis-tən(t)s, -ˈzis-\ noun
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Origin of DESIST
Middle English, from Anglo-French desister, from Latin desistere, from de- + sistere to stand, stop; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand
Synonym Discussion of DESIST
stop, cease, quit, discontinue, desist mean to suspend or cause to suspend activity. stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness <stopped at the red light>. cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality <by nightfall the fighting had ceased>. quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing <the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether>. discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice <we have discontinued the manufacture of that item>. desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing <desisted from further efforts to persuade them>.
Rhymes with DESIST
DESIST Defined for Kids
desist
verb de·sist \di-ˈzist, -ˈsist\
de·sist·edde·sist·ing
Definition of DESIST for Kids
: to stop doing something <Please desist from making that noise.>
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