【Stop】 ,  【cease】 ,  【quit】 ,  【discontinue】 ,  【desist】  are comparable when they mean to suspend or cause to suspend activity.

【Stop】  applies primarily to action or progress or to what is thought of as moving or progressing;  【cease】  applies primarily to states and conditions or to what is thought of as being or as having existence; thus, a train stops but does not  【cease】  ; the noise it makes both stops and ceases ; one stops a car but may  【cease】  driving a car; one stops work on a book but ceases one’s efforts to perfect its style.

【Stop】  frequently connotes a sudden or definite,  【cease】 a gradual suspension of activity.

【Quit】  (see also GO ) may suggest finality in ceasing an activity, sometimes with an implication of accepting frustration or failure.

【Discontinue】 implies the suspension of some activity, especially one that has become a form of occupation or employment or is a practice or habit.

【Desist】 usually stresses forbearance or restraint as the motive for stopping or ceasing but it may imply the futility of one’s efforts.