desist

Everyday

(formal) To stop doing something, especially when told to: «desist from doing it». tree →

In the lessons

A formal word used in legal letters, official warnings and the stiff exam voice. «Cease and desist» means stop completely. In stories, an officer or judge might order someone to desist. In everyday life people say «stop» or «quit it».

Examples

• The judge told him to desist from shouting. tree →
• (formal) Please desist from running in the corridors. tree →
• The company received a letter telling it to cease and desist. tree →
• The guard ordered the boys to desist at once. tree →
• (formal) Pupils must desist from talking once the exam begins. tree →
• The rain finally desisted in the evening. tree →
• The Grasshopper refused to desist, and chirped louder and louder the more the Owl entreated. tree →

Note

Formal: usually «desist from + -ing». Everyday equivalent: «stop». Pronounced «di-SIST» or «di-ZIST». Do not confuse with «resist» (fight against) or «insist».

In Jewish tradition

A formal word used in legal letters, official warnings and the stiff exam voice. «Cease and desist» means stop completely. In stories, an officer or judge might order someone to desist. In everyday life people say «stop» or «quit it».

Examples

• and also their gods, with their molten images, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold, shall he bring into captivity into Egypt; and he shall desist some years from the king of the north. (Writings DAN.11.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal: usually «desist from + -ing». Everyday equivalent: «stop». Pronounced «di-SIST» or «di-ZIST». Do not confuse with «resist» (fight against) or «insist».