v.tr. (usu. foll. by that + clause; also absol.) maintain or demand positively and assertively (insisted that he was innocent; give me the bag! I insist!).
Phrases and idioms:
insist on demand or maintain (I insist on being present; insists on his suitability).
Derivatives:
insister n. insistingly adv.
Etymology: L insistere stand on, persist (as IN-(2), sistere stand)