Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cease-and-desist order

noun

/siːz ənd dɪˈzɪst ˈɔːrdər/

Definition

A legal order issued by a court or regulatory agency to stop an alleged illegal activity.

Examples

The company received a cease-and-desist order for using a trademarked logo without permission.
After numerous complaints, the local authority issued a cease-and-desist order against the business for violating zoning laws.

Meaning

It is a directive to halt activity that is claimed to be unlawful and may require the recipient to refrain from continuing or initiating the actions specified.