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

Old habits tend to die hard in Paris, even if the city is in the midst of a civil war. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

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

Adjective

The weather delay and late start time did not deter die-hard fans from staying for the band's hometown set. — Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Sep. 2026

Sterling says while resurfacing claims about fraud can still be an effective fundraising tool, the 2020 obsession is mostly alive among die-hard activists only. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 21 Sep. 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