insist

[ in-sist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be emphatic, firm, or resolute on some matter of desire, demand, intention, etc.:

   He insists on checking every shipment.

2. to lay emphasis in assertion:

   to insist on the justice of a claim.

3. to dwell with earnestness or emphasis (usually followed by on or upon ):

   to insist on a point in a discussion.

verb (used with object)

1. to assert or maintain firmly:

   He insists that he saw the ghosts.

2. to demand or persist in demanding:

   I insist that you see this thing through.

   Synonyms: require, urge

insist

/ ɪnˈsɪst /

verb

1. to make a determined demand (for)

   he insisted that his rights be respected

   he insisted on his rights

2. to express a convinced belief (in) or assertion (of)

   he insisted on her madness

   he insisted that she was mad

Derived Forms

• inˈsister, noun
• inˈsistingly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·sister noun
• in·sisting·ly adverb
• over·in·sist verb (used without object)
• rein·sist verb (used without object)
• super·in·sist verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin insistere “to stand still on, persist in,” from in- in- ² + sistere “to cause to stand, stop” ( stand )

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

C16: from Latin insistere to stand upon, urge, from in- ² + sistere to stand

Example Sentences

Today his lawyer insists he was the victim of “extortion.”

From Salon

He said he was proud of Amare but insisted the real victory came months ago on that first day back to a regular high school.

From Los Angeles Times

But he insisted the "difficult" decision was required to repair the public finances.

From BBC

The new proposals, which follow a review, maintain the stepchild rule, though NHS bosses insist no decisions have been made.

From BBC

The minister has also insisted the Northern Ireland Executive will fulfil a previous financial pledge to support the Casement Park development.

From BBC

Related Words

• assert
• contend
• demand
• hold
• maintain
• press
• reiterate
• repeat
• request
• stand firm
• urge
• vow