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 orupon ).

   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 that she was mad

   he insisted on her madness

Other Word Forms

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

Still, James insisted that headquarters employees dress a cut above business casual, requiring jackets and slacks for men.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He had claimed people held grudges and insisted he was a "good priest," saying the accusations were misconstrued and part of a conspiracy, said Det Con Renwick.

Read more on BBC

The U.A.E., unlike Saudi Arabia, has insisted that the Palestinian Authority be fundamentally reformed before assuming any substantial role in Gaza’s eventual administration.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I will keep my word," he insisted, urging them to "give me your valuable support once again".

Read more on BBC

Peru's ousted president Dina Boluarte on Friday insisted that she would not seek to claim asylum elsewhere, after prosecutors had asked the courts to prevent her from leaving the country.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• assert 
• contend 
• demand 
• hold 
• maintain 
• press 
• reiterate 
• repeat 
• request 
• stand firm www.thesaurus.com
• urge 
• vow