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

A 44-year-old Princeton graduate and staunch Trump supporter, Hegseth has since 2017 been a co-host of the weekend edition of morning program “Fox & Friends,” on which Trump has appeared.

From Los Angeles Times

He would, as attorney general, almost certainly try to fire many of the agency’s 115,000 employees—career civil servants who pride themselves on integrity and independence—so he can replace them with staunch partisans.

From Slate

The GOP’s apparent 53-seat majority in the chamber will not allow even four defections, and even staunch conservatives are balking at the pick.

From Slate

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

She called this election “heartbreaking,” a painful choice for a lifelong Democrat deeply connected to the party, introduced to it by her father, a staunch United Auto Workers member.

From Slate

Related Words

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