discontinue
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsˈkɒn.tɪn.juː/
KK: /dɪsˈkɒn.tɪn.juː/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stop doing something or to bring something to an end.
Example
The company decided to discontinue the old product line.
Tense Forms
Past: discontinued
Past Participle: discontinued
Conversation
I heard they're going to discontinue that snack we love.
Really? That’s such a bummer!
Yeah, I guess they weren’t selling well enough.
I hope they bring it back someday; it was my favorite!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cease
halt
stop
Antonyms
continue
persist
proceed
transitive verb
Definition
To stop doing or providing something, or to end a service or product.
Example
The company decided to discontinue the old model of the car.
Tense Forms
Past: discontinued
Past Participle: discontinued
Conversation
Did you hear they might discontinue that snack brand we love?
Really? I hope that's not true; it's my favorite!
I read it online, but I’m not sure if it’s confirmed yet.
Root Explanation
Discontinue → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "continuare" (meaning to continue). The word describes the act of stopping or ceasing to continue something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'dis-' meaning apart and 'continuing' something — when you discontinue, you are stopping the continuation.
Visually Confused Words
undiscontinued
prediscontinue
continue
isaconitine
miscontinuance
distingue
continuer
continued