desist Meaning, Definition & Usage

De*sist" intransitive verb

Etymology

L. desistere; de- + sistere to stand, stop, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. désister. See Stand.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Desisted; present participle & verbal noun Desisting

Definitions

1. To cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often with from.

   Never desisting to do evil. E. Hall.

   To desist from his bad practice. Massinger.

   Desist (thou art discern'd, And toil'st in vain). Milton.