Desist
/dɪˈsɪst/
verbB2
Definition
To desist means to stop or end an action or behavior. It is often used when someone is told to stop doing something that is not allowed or is harmful. It is a formal way of saying "stop."
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⚡ See It in Action
To stop doing something, especially something harmful or wrong
- •The protesters were ordered to desist from blocking the road.
- •He was told to desist from making loud noises after 10 pm.
- •The company agreed to desist from using the trademark illegally.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "desist" like "stop," but used in more serious or formal situations, like when a teacher or police tells you to stop something
- ✓Picture a red stop sign telling cars to halt immediately
- ✓It feels like the moment you decide to quit doing something bad or harmful, like stopping a noisy argument
- ✓Sounds like "de-SIST" → imagine a person saying "Please, desist!" in a calm but firm voice to make someone stop
- ✓Think of stories where a character is told by a judge or authority to desist from breaking the rules
- ✓NOT like "pause" (which means stop for a short time), "desist" means to stop completely or for a long time
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention), "desist" means to actively stop doing something
- ✓NOT like "quit" (which can mean stop any activity), "desist" is often used for stopping something negative or forbidden
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Stop: to end an action (Use in everyday, simple conversations)
- •Cease: to bring something to an end (Use in formal writing or speech)
- •Quit: to leave or stop doing something (Use when someone leaves a job or habit)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "de-" (meaning away or off) + root "sist" (from Latin "sistere," meaning to stand or stop)
- •Etymology: From Latin "desistere," meaning to stand away or stop
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 15th century, originally used in legal and formal contexts to mean stop or abandon
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or legal language when someone is asked or ordered to stop a certain action
💭 Reflect & Connect
•In what situations might it be important to use a formal word like "desist" instead of "stop"?
•How do you feel when someone tells you to desist from doing something? Does it sound stronger or more serious than just "stop"?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The teacher asked the students to desist ___ talking during the exam because it was disturbing others.
2.The company was forced to desist ___ using the logo after the court decision.
3.Unlike "pause," to desist means to ___ the action completely, not just for a short time.
4.When the police officer told them to desist, they knew they had to ___ immediately.
5.People are expected to desist ___ any behavior that harms others in public places.
6.The court order required the factory to desist ___ polluting the river.
7.If someone refuses to desist, they may face ___ consequences from the authorities.