intr.v., -sist·ed, -sist·ing, -sists.
- To be obstinately repetitious, insistent, or tenacious.
- To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks.
- To continue in existence; last: hostilities that have persisted for years.
[Latin persistere : per-, per- + sistere, to stand.]
persister per·sis'ter n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
