Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for desist. Search instead for desista.
Definitions

desist

[dih-sist, -zist] / dɪˈsɪst, -ˈzɪst /
VERB
stop, refrain from
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abstain cease relinquish
STRONG
abandon avoid discontinue end forbear halt pause quit resign suspend yield
WEAK
break off give over give up have done with knock off leave off not do surcease
Antonyms
STRONG
carry on complete continue finish persist restart
WEAK
endure go on keep on persevere resume

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a statement on Thursday, a gardaí spokesperson said the force was "moving to an enforcement phase" unless those blocking access to critical infrastructure "desist and disperse".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The bar claims the firm refused to remove the attorney’s name from its website for years, ignoring a cease and desist letter from McBratney’s new employer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Authorities said the agreement effectively restricted the number of resellers of Apple products on Amazon’s Spanish website and issued a cease and desist order for the companies to amend their contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Mark Joseph Stern: I think he is begging us to please cease and desist calling them “Kavanaugh stops.”

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2025

Nothing made him desist except his own lamentable state of demoralization.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez