in·sist (ĭn-sĭst') v.
in·sist·ed, in·sist·ing, in·sists
v.
intr. To be firm in a demand or course; refuse to yield: insisted on giving me a second helping. v.
tr. To assert or demand (something) vehemently and persistently: We insist that you accept these gifts.
[Latin īnsistere, to persist : in-, on; see in-2 + sistere, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.] in·sis'tence, in·sis'ten·cy n., in·sist'er n., in·sist'ing·ly adv.