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

What even some of the prime minister's staunchest allies believe is that, he must explain more clearly, and vigorously, to the party - and to all of us - what the government is actually doing and why.

From BBC

Even supposedly staunch libertarians like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., are calling for a crackdown.

From Salon

Germany, one of Israel’s staunchest supporters, excoriated the decision to occupy Gaza City.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel also still has the staunch backing of the US, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Washington's "relationship with Israel is going to remain strong" as he departed for an official visit.

From BBC

At noon, before government had heard back from Lord Mandelson, the prime minister gave a staunch public defence of him in a move that now looks foolhardy.

From BBC

Related Words

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