# desist

/dɪˈsɪst/ (US) · /dɪsˈɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/desist
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to stop doing something, especially when someone in authority tells you to. It is a very formal way to say 'stop'.

For teachers: to cease or abstain from an action or behaviour. Often used in legal or official contexts to command the termination of a specific activity.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The court ordered him to desist his actions." but "The court ordered him to desist from his actions." — Desist is intransitive and requires the preposition 'from' before the object of the stopping.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and is almost always followed by the preposition 'from' and a gerund or noun phrase.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.