Desist

To desist means to cease or refrain from continuing a particular action or to hold back from doing something. This term implies a voluntary decision to stop an activity or behavior, particularly when the action may be troublesome, offensive, or unwanted. It is often used in legal contexts where one party is instructed to stop certain behaviors, as well as in general usage where someone chooses to end an engagement or pursuit. The root of the word is from the Latin 'desistere,' meaning 'to stand apart from.'

Desist meaning with examples

• After multiple warnings from the neighborhood association, the residents were asked to desist from playing loud music late at night. Despite their love for celebrating life with music, the noise was disturbing others. Respecting the request, they decided to host their celebrations earlier in the evening, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities without disrupting their neighbors’ peace.
• The teacher urged the students to desist from using their cell phones during class. She pointed out that the distractions were hindering their learning and taking away valuable time that could be spent on important discussions. With this reminder, the students willingly agreed to focus on their studies, realizing that they could always catch up on social media later.
• In an effort to improve their community's environment, local activists called on residents to desist from littering in public spaces. They organized clean-up days and educational workshops to raise awareness about the negative effects of waste on wildlife and the ecosystem. The initiative successfully inspired many to rethink their habits, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility for their surroundings.
• After several unsuccessful attempts to make the program work, the company executives finally decided to desist from pursuing the new marketing strategy. They acknowledged that the approach was not yielding the desired results and chose to redirect their resources into more effective marketing avenues that aligned with their brand values and customer expectations.