What does it mean to "desist"?

To "desist" means to stop or discontinue an action or activity. This term is often used in contexts where an individual is urged to cease a particular behavior or course of action. The word carries a sense of formally halting or refraining from something that one might typically continue doing. The nature of the term implies a deliberate choice to halt rather than an involuntary or unplanned cessation.

The other options do not align with this definition: continuing without interruption suggests persistence, encouraging or pushing forward indicates support for continuation, and modifying or changing implies altering a course of action rather than stopping it altogether. Understanding "desist" in the context of cessation clarifies its usage and significance in various situations.