Crossword Genius

Stop Des first! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desist

'stop' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'des first' is the wordplay.
'first' becomes 'ist'.
'des'+'ist'='DESIST'

(Other definitions for desist that I've seen before include "Stop, cease activity" , "Cease; abstain" , "Stop, discontinue" , "Refrain (from doing something)" , "Forbear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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