Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         If they persist in pointing their batteries against
         particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making
         reprisals.                               --Addison.

         Some positive, persisting fops we know, Who, if once
         wrong, will needs be always so.          --Pope.

         That face persists. It floats up; it turns over in my
         mind.                                    --Mrs.
                                                  Browning.

   Syn: See {Persevere}, and {Insist}.

Source : WordNet®

persist
     v 1: continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of
          Elvis endures" [syn: {prevail}, {die hard}, {run}, {endure}]
     2: be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me
        every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking
        questions" [syn: {persevere}, {hang in}, {hang on}, {hold
        on}]
     3: stay behind; "The smell stayed in the room"; "The hostility
        remained long after they made up" [syn: {remain}, {stay}]