desist

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈzɪst, dɪˈsɪst/

verb

[no object]
  • stop doing something; cease or abstain: each pledged to desist from acts of sabotage

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French desister, from Latin desistere, from de- 'down from' + sistere 'to stop' (reduplication of stare 'to stand')