insist
/ɪnˈsɪst/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: insists · insisting · insisted
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To hold up a claim emphatically.
Verb
Examples
The defendant insisted on his innocence.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To demand continually that something happen or be done; to reiterate a demand despite requests to abandon it.
Verb
Examples
The Prime Minister insisted on his Chancellor's resignation.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “insist” mean?
To hold up a claim emphatically.
Is “insist” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.