die-hard

American  

[dahy-hahrd] / ˈdaɪˌhɑrd /

Or diehard

noun

1. a person who vigorously maintains or defends a seemingly hopeless position, outdated attitude, lost cause, or the like.

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adjective

1. resisting vigorously and stubbornly to the last; stubborn.

die-hard British  

noun

1. a person who resists change or who holds onto an untenable position or outdated attitude

2. (modifier) obstinately resistant to change

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die hard Idioms  

1. Take a long time to cease to exist or be dropped from consideration. For example, Old prejudices die hard, or The more radical parts of this proposal will die hard. This idiom alludes to struggling against physical death. [Late 1700s]

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Other Word Forms

• die-hardism noun

Etymology

Origin of die-hard

First recorded in 1835–45; noun, adj. use of verb phrase die hard

Example Sentences

Hockey is a great pick if you want something fast-paced and entertaining, even if you’re not a die-hard fan.

From Salon

Residents Assn. is as die-hard a true believer as Bastian, and she went on for several minutes about music venues, farmers markets, dining, diversity and the sense of community.

From Los Angeles Times

On what many onlookers credited with being the loudest night of the season, a kindergartner perhaps epitomized what many of this city’s oldest and most die-hard fans are finally feeling.

From Los Angeles Times

A die-hard Manchester City fan, the club's manager Pep Guardiola made a special video tribute, telling the Oasis legend "I'm so proud of you... and I love you".

From Barron's

He was an Aaron Donald die-hard who never really thought about cheering for the team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abide
• combat
• confront
• continue
• curb
• defy
• endure
• forgo
• maintain
• prevent
• refuse
• repel
• thwart
• turn down