What does quit mean?
“Quit” is a common verb meaning to stop doing something, give up an activity, or leave a job, school, or organization. It is particularly associated with ending a habitual behavior, as in “quit smoking,” and with voluntarily leaving employment, as in “quit his job.” The word can also describe abandoning a difficult endeavor, although that use may imply discouragement or defeat. In British and American English, it is informal but widely accepted in ordinary conversation, while more formal alternatives such as “cease,” “resign,” or “withdraw” may be preferred in professional, legal, or official contexts. “Quit” also has a rare noun meaning, chiefly in older usage, for a resignation or the act of resigning. Its familiar modern senses make it useful in discussions of habits, careers, education, and projects, while its historical connection to “quiet” gives it an unusually memorable origin.
To stop doing something, especially something done regularly, or to leave a job, school, or organization voluntarily.
"She quit smoking after her doctor advised her to."
Very common in informal and everyday English; formal alternatives may be preferred in official or professional contexts.
To give up or abandon an activity, project, or effort.
"The expedition quit its search when supplies ran low."
This sense can suggest that the effort has been abandoned, whether because of difficulty, discouragement, or a change of priorities.
A resignation or the act of leaving a position, especially one’s employment.
"The worker was asked to hand in his quit."
Now chiefly archaic, formal, or legal; uncommon in modern everyday speech.
Rare; used when referring to multiple resignations or acts of leaving a position.
"The law allowed employees to submit their quits before the end of the month."
The word “quit” comes from the same Latin root as “quiet”: both ultimately relate to being free from activity or disturbance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quit come from?
The modern word developed in Middle English from Old French quiter, which meant to rest, be quiet, or leave a position. Old French quiter came from Latin quiteri, derived from the adjective quietus, meaning calm or at rest. The same Latin family also produced English words such as “quiet,” “quite,” and “quiescent,” although their modern meanings and grammatical forms developed through separate channels.
Related word forms
How quit is actually used
In everyday usage, “quit” often suggests abandoning an activity or leaving a role voluntarily. In British English, “quit” is especially common for leaving a job; American English also uses it frequently in this sense, while “resign” and “give up” may sound more formal in some contexts. The noun sense is uncommon today and is mainly found in older or legal usage.
Easily confused with quit
“Quite” is an adverb meaning “to a great or fair degree,” whereas “quit” is a verb meaning to stop or leave.