desisto

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [deːˈsɪs.toː]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [deˈs̬is.to]^[1]

Forms

dēsistō (present infinitive dēsistere, perfect active dēstitī, supine dēstitum); third conjugation, impersonal in the passive^[1]

Etymology

It is from dē- “off, away” and sistō “to stand, set”.^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Plautus, of leaving off.^[2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant to leave off, cease, as in Plautus, and in law to drop a prosecution.^[2] With an infinitive it meant to stop doing something, and with ab to break with a person.^[2] Döderlein explains that dēsinere is a mere ceasing, of persons or things, while dēsistere is an act of will, possible only to persons.^[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant to desist, cease.^[6] It survives in Italian desistere and Spanish desistir, and gave English desist in the mid-15th century.^[1][3]

Timeline

• c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of leaving off.^[2][4]
• mid-15th century – English desist is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Verb

1. To leave off, desist; to drop (a suit).^[2]
2. To stop (doing something).^[2]
3. To break (with a person).^[2]

Word family

• destitor

Related words

• sistō
• English desist

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from dēsinō.^[5]

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson