WordGarden.iodiscontinue
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌɪskəntˈɪnjuː/
US
- /dɪskənˈtɪnju/
Meanings
Verb
to stop doing, using, or continuing something
to stop making, selling, or providing a product or service
to stop taking or administering a medicine or treatment
More meaningsFewer meanings
to formally end a legal case, claim, or proceeding
Beyond the definition
Imagine your favorite candy bar suddenly vanishes from the store shelves. That's what it means to discontinue something—to stop making it or offering it altogether. It's more than a pause; it's an ending for good. A company might discontinue a product if it isn't selling well, or a service provider might discontinue a plan if it's outdated. You can also discontinue a habit, like biting your nails, meaning you make a conscious effort to stop doing it. Think of it as drawing a firm line under something and saying, "No more."
To discontinue means to bring something to an end—especially to stop making, offering, or doing it. It's often used in the context of products, services, or practices that are no longer offered or carried out. A manufacturer might discontinue a line of clothing if sales decline, stating they will "discontinue production" of those items. A cable company might discontinue a particular channel in its package.
However, discontinue isn't limited to business. You can also discontinue a behavior—like the habit of checking work emails after hours. Or you could discontinue contact with someone if the relationship is no longer healthy or fulfilling. It implies a deliberate decision to cease something entirely, rather than just temporarily pausing it.
The word carries a sense of finality. While "suspend" suggests a temporary halt, discontinue suggests the end of the road. A doctor might discontinue a medication if it's not effective or causes unwanted side effects. A lawyer might discontinue their representation of a client.
So, whether it's a product on the market, a habit you break, or a relationship that ends, to discontinue is to bring something to a complete and permanent stop.
Examples
- 1
Product retirement
The company plans to discontinue this phone next year.
- 2
Medical advice
Her doctor told her not to discontinue the medication suddenly.
- 3
School program
The school discontinued the program after funding ran out.
- 4
Policy change
We discontinued use of plastic straws in all our cafes.
- Patterndiscontinue use of + thing
stop using it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public service
The service was discontinued last winter, so people now have to take the bus.
- Patternbe discontinued
be officially stopped
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- discontinueverb
Forms
- discontinuedpast tenseverb
- discontinuing-ing formverb
- discontinuesverb