'Persist' definitions:

Definition of 'persist'

From: WordNet
verb
Continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures" [syn: prevail, persist, die hard, run, endure]
verb
Be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking questions" [syn: persevere, persist, hang in, hang on, hold on]
verb
Stay behind; "The smell stayed in the room"; "The hostility remained long after they made up" [syn: persist, remain, stay]

Definition of 'Persist'

From: GCIDE
  • Persist \Per*sist"\, v. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • If they persist in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • Some positive, persisting fops we know, Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • That face persists. It floats up; it turns over in my mind. --Mrs. Browning. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: See Persevere, and Insist. [1913 Webster] Persistence