staunch

American  

[stawnch, stahnch] / stɔntʃ, stɑntʃ /

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.

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staunch ¹ British  

/ stɔːntʃ /

adjective

1. loyal, firm, and dependable

   a staunch supporter

2. solid or substantial in construction

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

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staunch ² British  

/ stɔːntʃ /

verb

1. a variant spelling of stanch

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Related Words

See steadfast.

Other Word Forms

• staunchly
  adverb
• staunchness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of staunch

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

Explanation

As an adjective, staunch means firm. You might want to go to that concert Friday night, but your parents' staunch opposition prevents you. Staunch is sometimes used as a verb to mean "to stop the flow of a liquid," but most usage books will tell you it's better to use the word stanch for the verb. Think of a soldier stopping and standing still, and you will understand the connection between the two meanings. The adjectival form should make you think of "stand," as in “stand firm,” or "take a stand." It comes from the French estanche meaning “watertight” and the Latin stanticare, which is probably from stans for “stand.”

Example Sentences

Staunch U.S. ally Jordan had supported mainstream rebel groups that had sought to topple Syrian President Bashar al Assad but later backed Russian-led military campaign that regained southern Syria from rebel control.

From Reuters • Feb. 15, 2023

Staunch conservative and former defence minister Peter Dutton will now be opposition leader, after he was chosen by the Liberal Party to replace Mr Morrison.

From BBC • May 30, 2022

Staunch had done a psychological evaluation in September that found she was competent to stand trial.

From Washington Times • Jan. 19, 2021

Staunch New Yorker Woody Allen got a lot of his anger toward Los Angeles out through this film.

From The Guardian • Apr. 20, 2017

For our sturdy sires cut their stoutest staves From the branch that hung o'er their fathers' graves; And though it be dreary and dismal to view, Staunch at the heart is the churchyard yew.

From Rookwood by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Related Words

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