insist

UK: /ɪnˈsɪst/ US: /ɪnˈsɪst/ ,(in sist′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•sist /ɪnˈsɪst/   v. 

1. to continue to stress the importance of:
   [~ + on/upon + object] to insist upon a point.
2. to demand firmly or without stopping: [~ + (that) clause]
   I insist that you go.
   [used with quotations]
   "But you must help me,'' she insisted.

in•sist•ing•ly, adv.: 

insistingly asking for clarification.

See -sist-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•sist  (in sist′), v.i. 

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 fol. by on or upon):
   to insist on a point in a discussion.

v.t. 

4. to assert or maintain firmly:
   He insists that he saw the ghosts.
5. to demand or persist in demanding:
   I insist that you see this thing through.

• Latin insistere to stand still on, persist in, equivalent. to in- in-² + sistere to stand, make stand, reduplicated derivative from base of stāre to stand
• 1580–90

in•sist′er, n. 
in•sist′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 5. urge, require.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

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)

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin insistere to stand upon, urge, from in-² + sistere to stand

inˈsister noun

inˈsistingly adverb