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}.

Persisting \Per*sist"ing\, a.
   Inclined to persist; tenacious of purpose; persistent. --
   {Per*sist"ing*ly}, adv.

Source : WordNet®

persisting
     adj : relentless and indefatigable in pursuit or as if in pursuit;
           "impossible to escape the dogging fears" [syn: {dogging}]