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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.

Discovery, Paramount and Disney have all sent individual cease and desist letters, detailing the unauthorized reproduction of each of the studios’ copyrighted intellectual property.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

However AES Andes announced late last month that it had "decided to desist from the execution of the Inna project" and instead focus on renewable energy and energy storage.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

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

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2025

Ms Cox's lawyer sent the company a legal "cease and desist" letter, asking that it stop using the phrase, but she said the response described her as "bitter".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

One day he lit into Vanguard’s index funds and almost instantly received a cease and desist order from Vanguard’s attorneys.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis