staunch
[ stawnch, stahnch ]
/ stɔntʃ, stɑntʃ /
Save This Word!
adjective, staunch·er, staunch·est.
firm or steadfast in principle, adherence, loyalty, etc., as a person: a staunch Republican; a staunch friend.
characterized by firmness, steadfastness, or loyalty: He delivered a staunch defense of the government.
strong; substantial: a staunch little hut in the woods.
impervious to water or other liquids; watertight: a staunch vessel.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Also stanch .
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 stanch1
synonym study for staunch
1. See steadfast.
OTHER WORDS FROM staunch
staunchly, adverbstaunchness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for staunch
British Dictionary definitions for staunch (1 of 2)
staunch1
/ (stɔːntʃ) /
adjective
loyal, firm, and dependablea staunch supporter
solid or substantial in construction
rare (of a ship, etc) watertight; seaworthy
Derived forms of staunch
staunchly, adverbstaunchness, nounWord Origin for staunch
C15: (originally: watertight): from Old French estanche, from estanchier to stanch
British Dictionary definitions for staunch (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012