desist

[ dih-sist, -zist ]
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verb (used without object)
  1. to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.

Origin of desist

1
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere “to leave off,” equivalent to dē- de- + sistere “to stand, place,” akin to stāre “to stand” (see stand)

Other words from desist

  • de·sist·ance, de·sist·ence, noun
  • non·de·sist·ing, adjective, noun
  • un·de·sist·ing, adjective

Words Nearby desist

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How to use desist in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for desist

desist

/ (dɪˈzɪst) /


verb
  1. (intr often foll by from) to cease, as from an action; stop or abstain

Origin of desist

1
C15: from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere to leave off, stand apart, from de- + sistere to stand, halt

Derived forms of desist

  • desistance or desistence, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with desist

desist

see cease and desist.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.