Definition of insist

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in·sist    (n-sst) KEY 

VERB:
in·sist·ed, in·sist·ing, in·sists
VERB:
intr.

To be firm in a demand or course; refuse to yield: insisted on giving me a second helping.

VERB:
tr.

To assert or demand (something) vehemently and persistently: We insist that you accept these gifts.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin nsistere, to persist : in-, on ; see in-² + sistere, to stand; see st- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
in·sistence or in·sisten·cy(Noun), in·sister(Noun), in·sisting·ly(Adverb)