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Definition of desist

desist

/dɪˈzɪst/
de · sist
Past Simple:desisted
•
Past Participle:desisted
•
Present Participle:desisting
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desist Lexical Profile

desist Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cease or abstain from an action or practice (usually followed by "from").

Example

"The company was ordered to desist from using the trademarked logo on its products."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for desist
Antonyms
View all antonyms for desist

Word Nuance & Usage

"Desist" is an intransitive verb typically followed by the preposition "from" and a gerund (e.g., "desist from speaking"), and is most frequently encountered in the legal pairing "cease and desist."

• Rhymes for desist

• Nearby Words

desired
desirer
desirous
desist
desk
deskbound
desking

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French desister, from Latin desistere ("to leave off, cease, stand aside"), formed from de- ("away from") and sistere ("to cause to stand, stop").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Desist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/desist
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