It comes from the Latin word "sistere," which has the same meaning.
Here are some examples of words that contain this root:
* Assist: To help or support (to stand by someone)
* Consist: To be made up of (to stand together)
* Exist: To have being (to stand forth)
* Insist: To demand strongly (to stand firm)
* Persist: To continue despite difficulties (to stand through)
* Resist: To oppose (to stand against)
* Subsist: To maintain oneself (to stand under)
* Resistive: Offering resistance.