English vocabulary · B2
Desist
/dɪˈzɪst/ · v.
It means to stop doing something completely, especially when told to. A strong, formal way to say: do not continue.
Watch the Desist lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The court ordered him to desist from contacting his former employer.
- She was warned to desist or face serious results.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — away (from Latin)
- sist — stand (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- STOP — end an action (Everyday & General)
- CEASE — come to a full stop (Formal & Written)
- HALT — stop all at once (Sudden & Complete)
Words with the same root
sist — stand
- resist — stand against something; refuse to give in
- persist — keep standing; continue despite difficulty
- consist — stand together; be made of parts
Lesson notes
Desist. It means to stop doing something completely, especially when you are told to. It is a strong and formal way to say: do not continue.
Similar words are stop, cease, and halt. Use desist when someone is formally told to end an action right away.
The court ordered him to desist from contacting his former employer. She was warned to desist or face serious results.
From Latin. De- means away. Sist- means stand. To stand away from what you are doing — that is to desist.