die hard

1 of 2

phrase

1

: to be long in dying

Such rumors die hard.

2

: to continue resistance against hopeless odds

That kind of determination dies hard.

die-hard

2 of 2

adjective

ˈdī-ˌhärd 

: strongly or fanatically determined or devoted

die-hard fans

especially : strongly resisting change

a die-hard conservative

diehard noun

die-hardism

ˈdī-ˌhärd-ˌiz-əm 

noun

Synonyms of die hard

Adjective

• traditional
• conservative
• loyal
• orthodox
• staunch

Examples of die hard in a Sentence

Adjective

the die-hard purists are never going to accept certain words, no matter who uses them

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

And bad habits die hard, with Donaldson saying parents who don’t enforce consequences early shouldn’t be surprised when a kids mature to teenagehood and act disrespectfully or push boundaries. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 July 2026

But the belief died hard, and photography spurred its adherents on. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Adjective

This elegant dessert makes a great birthday cake for the die-hard PB fan in your life. — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026

College football is almost here, bringing back decades-long rivalries, close games and, of course, die-hard fan bases. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for die hard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard

Kids Definition

die-hard

adjective

ˈdī-ˌhärd

: strongly or excessively determined or devoted

die-hard fans

diehard noun