insist

American  

[in-sist] / ɪnˈsɪst /

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 orupon ).

   to insist on a point in a discussion.

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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 British  

/ 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 that she was mad

   he insisted on her madness

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Other Word Forms

• insister noun
• insistingly adverb
• overinsist verb (used without object)
• reinsist verb (used without object)
• superinsist verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of insist

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 )

Explanation

To insist on something is to demand or swear to it. You can insist that you didn't eat the last piece of cake, and then insist that your brother show your mom the bits of frosting on his fingers. The verb insist comes from the Latin insistere, meaning “persist,” “dwell upon,” or “stand on.” To insist on something, like a room with a view, is to say that you must have it. To insist that you never met that man before in your life — even though there's a picture of the two of you together — is to claim that you're telling the truth. To insist on tapping your foot on the chair leg is annoying.

Example Sentences

On Saturday, Iran continued to insist on state media that its armed forces controlled the strategic waterway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Does the judge have an obligation to solicit rebuttal, or is it counsel’s job to insist on giving it?

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Sources insist the head coach's appetite to rebuild the squad has not waned.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Her letter says she will insist that “transparent audit rights and procedures” be put into place to assure the city treasury does not take a hit in supporting the Games.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Mudd continued to insist that Booth and Herold leave his farm at once.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Related Words

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