discontinuance
discontinuance Lexical Profile
discontinuance Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act of stopping or terminating something previously practiced or carried on, or the state of being discontinued.
"The sudden discontinuance of the commuter rail service caused significant delays for suburban residents."
In law, the voluntary termination of a legal action or lawsuit by the plaintiff, or the lapsing of a suit due to procedural failure.
"Following an out-of-court settlement, the plaintiff's attorney filed a formal notice of discontinuance with the court clerk."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often interchangeable with 'discontinuation' in general contexts, 'discontinuance' is the preferred technical term in legal proceedings for the voluntary termination of a lawsuit by the plaintiff.
• Rhymes for discontinuance
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French discontinuance, from Old French discontinuer ('to interrupt or cease'), ultimately from Medieval Latin discontinuare.