die-hard

Or die·hard

[dahy-hahrd]

noun

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 a person who vigorously maintains or defends a seemingly hopeless position, outdated attitude, lost cause, or the like.

adjective

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

die-hard

noun

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 a person who resists change or who holds onto an untenable position or outdated attitude

2. (modifier) obstinately resistant to change

Other Word Forms

• die-hardism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of die-hard¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Georgian Dream still firmly in power, die-hard activists undeterred.

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Emily Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen who was held hostage for 15 months by Hamas in Gaza, said she was a die-hard Tel Aviv fan and was shocked by the decision.

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And for some die-hard collectors, the joy is in getting them all.

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Swift’s engagement to the football star was long anticipated by her die-hard fans, who for years studied her lyrics about heartbreak and the patriarchy.

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My mom and dad were die-hard stand-up fans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• old-line 
• uncompromising