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 on his rights

   he insisted that his rights be respected

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

   he insisted that she was mad

   he insisted on her madness

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

I've tried suggesting we take turns making dinner, but he insists it's his passion and he gets great joy from cooking.

From Washington Post

Olympic officials insist Tokyo Games on track for this summer

From Washington Post

Chiefs officials insist the intent behind the team name, imagery and traditions has always been to honor Native people.

From Washington Post

Tension has been building over the last several weeks over whether teachers in California will insist that all educators be vaccinated before they’re willing to return to schools.

From Voice of San Diego

Leftwich wanted to play wideout, but Headen insisted he would become Woodson’s backup quarterback.

From Washington Post

The only great thing he did as governor was to insist that the death penalty was just wrong.

From The Daily Beast

No crimes were committed by Sony with the possible exception of all those Adam Sandler movies they insist on making.

From The Daily Beast

Moscow officials insist that the hospitals listed for closure lacked professional services and often stayed half empty.

From The Daily Beast

They all insist that Health Republic/MagnaCare had not told their billing departments that I was out of network.

From The Daily Beast

But veterans of his campaign for Senate and people close to him insist that Webb is taking a serious look.

From The Daily Beast

All our intelligent students will insist upon learning what they can of these discussions and forming opinions for themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

But if people will insist on patting a strange poet, they mustn't be surprised if they get a nasty bite!

From Project Gutenberg

She had hidden his hat and would insist on his playing; that was, if I did not mind and her uncle gave his permission.

From Project Gutenberg

What other channel, then, was open to the country through which to insist upon the recovery of its lawful rights?

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose he should receive an acceptance by letter or telegraph but deny it, and insist that no contract had been made.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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