desist
v.v. to stop doing something, especially when someone in authority tells you to. It is a very formal way to say 'stop'.
v. to cease or abstain from an action or behaviour. Often used in legal or official contexts to command the termination of a specific activity.
The judge ordered the company to desist from using the logo.
After receiving a formal warning from the council, the neighbours agreed to desist from playing loud music after midnight.
The court issued a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to desist from any further contact with the plaintiff, citing a documented history of harassment and intimidation.
From Middle French desister.
The verb is intransitive and is almost always followed by the preposition 'from' and a gerund or noun phrase.
The court ordered him to desist his actions.The court ordered him to desist from his actions.Desist is intransitive and requires the preposition 'from' before the object of the stopping.