Definition of "insist" []

• To be firm in a demand or course; refuse to yield: insisted on giving me a second helping. (verb-intransitive)
• To assert or demand (something) vehemently and persistently: We insist that you accept these gifts. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "'I think I know more about that than you do,' replied Joel, with an air which would have done credit to a _diplomat_, 'and, I assure you, Ellen will _not_ be left penniless; and if you will insist on her going with you for a short time -- mind, I say _insist_ -- I promise before long to make certain disclosures which will satisfy you as to my assertion."
• "Someone up-thread noted that you seem to be exercised about the fact that we have a constitutional republic, which you insist is indistinguishable from a democracy."
• "Both the United States and Britain insist that, to keep the country from imploding, it is essential that the Balkan nation remain under the political authority of an internationally appointed "High Representative," who governs the nation's affairs."