'desist' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'desistere,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'sistere' meant 'to stand.'

'desistere' transformed into the Old French word 'desister,' and eventually became the modern English word 'desist' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stand away from,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cease or abstain from doing something.'