persist
VerbWordNet 3.0
Verb (3)
- continue to exist“These stories die hard”“The legend of Elvis endures”Synonyms: prevaildie hardrunendure
- be persistent, refuse to stop“he persisted to call me every night”“The child persisted and kept asking questions”Synonyms: perseverehang inhang onhold on
- stay behind“The smell stayed in the room”“The hostility remained long after they made up”Synonyms: remainstay
Webster's Dictionary (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]