staunch

[stawnch, stahnch]

adjective

stauncher, staunchest 

1. firm or steadfast in principle, adherence, loyalty, etc., as a person.

   a staunch Republican; a staunch friend.

   Synonyms: faithful, true, constant

2. characterized by firmness, steadfastness, or loyalty.

   He delivered a staunch defense of the government.

   Synonyms: resolute

3. strong; substantial.

   a staunch little hut in the woods.

   Synonyms: solid, stable

4. impervious to water or other liquids; watertight.

   a staunch vessel.

staunch

¹

/ stɔːntʃ /

adjective

1. loyal, firm, and dependable

   a staunch supporter

2. solid or substantial in construction

3. rare,  (of a ship, etc) watertight; seaworthy

staunch

²

/ stɔːntʃ /

verb

1. a variant spelling of stanch

Other Word Forms

• staunchly adverb
• staunchness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of staunch¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English sta(u)nch, from Middle French estanche (feminine), estanc (masculine), derivative of estancher “to close, stop”; stanch ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of staunch¹

C15: (originally: watertight): from Old French estanche , from estanchier to _stanch

Synonym Study

See steadfast.

Example Sentences

Pacific island nation Palau, a staunch US ally in the region, in 2021 alleged that the Da Yang Hao had entered its exclusive economic zone without proper permissions.

Read more on Barron's

“Charlie Kirk is a national treasure, and we have an opportunity to honor him,” Vice Mayor Adam Kwasman, a staunch conservative, told AZ Central.

Read more on Salon

Mamdani's strong support of Palestinians and staunch criticism of Israel goes further than most of the Democratic establishment.

Read more on BBC

She described Roberts as a “proud American” who served in the United States military and was a “staunch supporter” of the Republican Party.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To win over the staunchest sceptics, Tuesday's talks will cover a range of "flexibilities" for member states, including letting countries count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ardent 
• loyal 
• reliable 
• stalwart 
• steadfast 
• stout 
• trustworthy