Desist/dɪˈzɪst/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Legally Binding Often used in legal contexts where failure to desist has consequences. The company received a cease and desist letter for copyright infringement. Pro Tip 2/3Formal Requests Used when formally asking someone to stop an action, more polite than 'stop'. Parents must desist from speaking during the school performance. Pro Tip 3/3Persistent Action Used when referring to stopping an action that has been ongoing. Despite complaints, they did not desist in playing loud music.