desist

Definition

To cease to proceed or act; to stop (often with from).

Etymology

From Middle French desister.

Example Sentences

• "Please desist from telephoning me at this number."
• "One Ear was uttering quick, eager whines, lunging at the length of his stick toward the darkness, and desisting now and again in order to make frantic attacks on the stick with his teeth."
• "After hearing[,] an order was entered requiring respondent to cease and desist the practice complained of under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission act."

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