staunch

[ stawnch, stahnch ]

adjective

, staunch·er, staunch·est.

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 /

verb

1. a variant spelling of stanch

staunch

²

/ stɔːntʃ /

adjective

1. loyal, firm, and dependable

   a staunch supporter

2. solid or substantial in construction
3. rare.
   (of a ship, etc) watertight; seaworthy

Derived Forms

• ˈstaunchness, noun
• ˈstaunchly, adverb

Other Words From

• staunch·ly adverb
• staunch·ness 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

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, was once a challenger to and critic of Trump, but has become a staunch defender and campaign surrogate.

From Los Angeles Times

A longtime Trump ally, Stefanik is a staunch supporter of Israel and has also been critical of the UN for what she argues is a lack of sufficient backing for its war against Hamas.

From BBC

The comments were some of Vance's first since he completed his journey from a staunch Trump critic to his right-hand man and vice president-elect.

From Salon

The Hungarian leader is a staunch Trump supporter and has close ties to Moscow.

From BBC

Regarding the war in Gaza - Trump has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel, but has urged the American ally to end its operation.

From BBC

Related Words

• ardent
• come-through
• loyal
• reliable
• stalwart
• steadfast
• stout
• trustworthy