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

Gerasimov continued his relationship with the die-hard followers, replying to their messages, encouraging them to help shape the series’ narrative. — Kyle MacNeill, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

But the Labor Day weekend crowds, soaring ticket prices, and long subway commutes can wear down even the most die-hard fans. — Hanlon Walsh, Midwest Living, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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