diehard

American  

[dahy-hahrd] / ˈdaɪ hɑrd /

adjective

1. stubbornly devoted.

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noun

plural

diehards

1. a person who is stubbornly devoted to something, such as a political viewpoint or a particular media property.

Other Word Forms

• non-diehard noun

Explanation

A diehard is a person who likes things a certain way and doesn't want them to change — or who sticks to an opinion no matter what. If everyone in your family is a Democrat except your cousin, you might call him a Republican diehard. A diehard will hold fast to her ideas, views, or opinions even in the face of opposition. You could call yourself a diehard if you insist on sticking to the same recipes for Thanksgiving dinner that your grandmother always made, especially if your siblings keep lobbying to add new dishes to the menu. The word diehard dates from the 19th century, and it originally referred to a tough soldier in a certain British Army regiment.

Example Sentences

I can’t think of many, but if you ask any “SNL” diehard — even just a regular viewer — about Michaels, they’ll likely prattle off some fun facts to you.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

As for everyone else, including her most diehard critics, she hopes they can still appreciate her fiction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

It’s very obvious to this USC diehard fan, Lincoln Riley is not delivering on his commitment to restore Trojans football to national prominence as head coach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2026

The Athletic added in a Friday report that the two negotiators “remain far apart” on their respective demands, frustrating the YouTube TV viewers who make up “some of the most diehard NFL fans anywhere.”

From Slate • Nov. 10, 2025

I imagine that some of you, particularly those who are diehard cola drinkers, are bristling at this point.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• fanatic
• fundamentalist
• zealot