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

Related Words

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