Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Persist
Per-sist′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Persisted
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Persisting
.] [L.
persistere
; per + sistere
to stand or be fixed, fr. stare
to stand: cf. F. persister
. See Per-
, and Stand
.] To stand firm; to be fixed and unmoved; to stay; to continue steadfastly; especially, to continue fixed in a course of conduct against opposing motives; to persevere; – sometimes conveying an unfavorable notion, as of doggedness or obstinacy.
If they
persist
in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals. Addison.
Some positive,
Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so.
persisting
fops we know,Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so.
Pope.
That face
It floats up; it turns over in my mind.
persists
.It floats up; it turns over in my mind.
Mrs. Browning.
Webster 1828 Edition
Persist
PERSIST'
,Verb.
I.
To continue steadily and firmly in the pursuit of any business or course commenced; to persevere. [Persist is nearly synonymous with persevere; but persist frequently implies more obstinacy than persevere, particularly in that which is evil or injurious to others.]
If they persist in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals.