Desist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈsist/ de·sist

Meaning & Definition of Desist

Desist (verb)

  1. to cease to proceed or act

Desist (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in terminate, discontinue

    similar: conclude, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, cease, end, stop, disappear, dissolve, evaporate, vanish, depart, die, expire, pass away, perish
    opposite: actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, originate, set in, spring, start, be, breathe, exist, live, subsist, arrive, come on, emerge

Related Entry: Desist (from) (verb)

Desist (from) is a different word from Desist. The synonyms below are for desist (from), not for desist.

  1. to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

    "ordered to desist from using the copyrighted music without permission"

    similar: break, break off, break up, can (slang), cease, cut off, cut out, discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, shut off, stop, have done with, put the kibosh on
    related: complete, conclude, finish, close (down), deactivate, block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, stem, call, suspend, arrest, brake, check, clamp down, rein (in), squash, squelch, stamp, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back, pause, stay, abolish, abort, annul, demolish, destroy, dissolve, kill, ruin, scuttle, snuff
    near: carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed, progress, actuate, drive, impel, propel, stir

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Desist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Desist:

conclude, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, cease, end, stop, disappear, dissolve, evaporate, vanish, depart, die, expire, pass away, perish

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Desist

Words with the opposite meaning of Desist:

actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, originate, set in, spring, start, be, breathe, exist, live, subsist, arrive, come on, emerge

Word Forms of Desist

Inflections: desisted, desisting, desists

Derived words: desistance (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Desist

Middle English desisten, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French desister, desistier, borrowed from Latin dēsistere "to leave off, cease," from dē- de- + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" assist:1

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Desist

cease and desist order, cease and desist

Frequently Asked Questions about Desist

What does "Desist" mean?

"Desist" means to cease to proceed or act. As a verb, it is defined as: to cease to proceed or act.

What is another word for "Desist"?

Other words for "Desist" include conclude, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, cease and end. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Desist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Desist"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Desist". Common alternatives include conclude, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, cease, end, stop and disappear.

What is the opposite of "Desist"?

Antonyms of "Desist" include actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn and engender.

Is "Desist" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Desist" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Desist"?

"Desist" is pronounced /di-ˈsist/ and divided into syllables as de·sist.

What is the origin of the word "Desist"?

"Desist" comes from Middle English desisten, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French desister, desistier, borrowed from Latin dēsistere "to leave off, cease," from dē- de- + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" assist:1. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Desist" meaning "as in terminate, discontinue"?

When "Desist" (verb) means as in terminate, discontinue, synonyms include conclude, discontinue, finish, halt, quit and terminate. Opposites in this sense include actualize, appear, arise and begin.