Main Entry: in·sist

Pronunciation: \in-ˈsist\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French insister, from Latin insistere to stand upon, persist, from in- + sistere to take a stand; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

Date: 1586

intransitive verb 1 : to be emphatic, firm, or resolute about something intended, demanded, or required <they insist on going>
2 archaic : persisttransitive verb : to maintain in a persistent or positive manner <insisted that the story was true>