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desist

verb

/dɪˈsɪst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of desist

To stop doing something, especially when it is no longer appropriate or necessary.
"The teacher asked the students to desist from talking during the test."

Detailed meaning of desist

It can also imply a cessation of an activity that is considered harmful, dangerous, or illegal. When someone desists from doing something, they are choosing to refrain from continuing that behavior, either voluntarily or in response to external pressures. Desisting may involve a conscious decision to change one's actions or may be required by law or social norms. In essence, desisting involves a deliberate effort to discontinue a particular action or behavior, often in the interest of promoting a more positive outcome.

Example sentences containing desist

1. Please desist from making loud noises in the library.
2. He was asked to desist from smoking in the non-smoking area.
3. The protesters refused to desist until their demands were met.
4. It's crucial to desist from texting while driving.
5. She finally agreed to desist from interrupting the meeting.
6. The company decided to desist from using plastic packaging.

History and etymology of desist

The verb 'desist' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'desistere,' which is a combination of 'de-' meaning 'away from' and 'sistere' meaning 'to stand' or 'to stop.' This Latin origin encapsulates the essence of the word's meaning, as 'desist' means to cease or stop doing something, often when it is no longer appropriate, necessary, or advisable. The prefix 'de-' in 'desist' emphasizes the idea of moving away from a particular action or state, making it a fitting term to express the act of discontinuing an activity. The etymology of 'desist' highlights its inherent connection to the notion of cessation or stopping, which is at the core of its meaning.

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Further usage examples of desist

1. The teacher urged the students to desist from cheating.
2. The court ordered the defendant to desist from harassment.
3. He promised to desist from spreading false rumors.
4. The chef had to desist from using peanuts in the recipe.
5. The government called on the rebels to desist from violence.
6. The noise complaints led them to desist from the loud music.
7. To maintain safety, everyone must desist from trespassing.
8. It's important to desist from procrastination to meet deadlines.
9. The company decided to desist from outsourcing jobs.
10. They were told to desist from unauthorized entry.
11. The doctor advised him to desist from excessive alcohol consumption.
12. To protect wildlife, hunters were required to desist from poaching.
13. The team agreed to desist from using harmful chemicals.
14. The school implemented a policy to desist from bullying.
15. The police ordered the protesters to desist from blocking the road.
16. I hope my neighbor will desist from playing loud music late at night.
17. The company was ordered to desist from using harmful chemicals in their products.
18. He promised to desist from smoking after his doctor warned him about the health risks.
19. The athlete was asked to desist from using performance-enhancing drugs.
20. The government urged citizens to desist from spreading false information on social media.
21. The restaurant was forced to desist from serving food that was not up to standard.
22. She decided to desist from eating junk food and start a healthier diet.
23. The company threatened to take legal action if the competitor did not desist from copying their product design.
24. The child was reprimanded and asked to desist from throwing things in the classroom.
25. The environmental group called on the government to desist from allowing oil drilling in protected areas.