staunch

play

verb \ ˈstȯnch , ˈstänch \

Variant of stanch

transitive verb

1 :to check or stop the flowing of

stanched her tears

; also :to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)

2 archaic :allay, extinguish

3 a :to stop or check in its course

trying to stanch the crime wave

b :to make watertight :stop up

staunch

play

adjective \ ˈstȯnch , ˈstänch \

variants: or less commonly stanch play \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch\

Definition of staunch

1 a :watertight, sound

b :strongly built :substantial

2 :steadfast in loyalty or principle

a staunch friend

—

staunchly

adverb

—

staunchness

noun

See staunch defined for English-language learners

Examples of staunch in a Sentence

She is a staunch advocate of women's rights.
He's a staunch believer in the value of regular exercise.
I'm one of his staunchest supporters.

Recent Examples of staunch from the Web

Huerta points to a line in the film delivered by Robert Kennedy, a staunch ally of the farmworkers’ movement before his tragic assassination in June of 1968.

— ryan p. smith, Smithsonian, "Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Offers Advice to a New Generation of Activists," 26 Aug. 2017
And God-awful communal clapping that could turn even the most staunch non-communal-clapper (me) into a balls-to-the-wall, hands-over-head communal clapper.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "“Tell Me Why,” Or, a Sound Argument for Seeing the Backstreet Boys in Las Vegas," 4 Aug. 2017
Dozens of celebrities spoke out against Trump's order—including Caitlyn Jenner, a staunch Trump supporter whose relationship with the transgender community has been rocky.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "Caitlyn Jenner Was Just Spotted Wearing a 'Make America Great Again' Hat," 4 Aug. 2017
Barletta, a staunch Trump supporter in Congress, would quickly become the most recognizable name in a field of a half-dozen would-be challengers to Casey, the 57-year-old son of a late ex-governor and a fierce critic of the Republican president.

— Bloomberg.com, "Barletta to Seek Casey’s Pennsylvania Senate Seat, AP Source Says," 31 July 2017
On the more specific issue of Trump's evident dissatisfaction with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Byrne reiterated his staunch support for the former Alabama senator.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "As Rep. Bradley Byrne resumes town halls, healthcare still a concern," 31 July 2017
Even staunch conservative advocates of repealing the health-care law are preparing for a quick pivot to tax legislation.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Republicans increasingly uncertain of a legislative victory before August," 8 July 2017
That road project, considered necessary for traffic circulation by some residents, has its share of staunch opponents.

— karen brainard, Ramona Sentinel, "Opinions vary on town center update; next meeting on July 24," 5 July 2017
Critics say this lopsided exposure fueled Ms. DeVos’s staunch support of privately run, publicly funded charter schools and voucher programs that allow families to take tax dollars from the public education system to private schools.

— erica l. green, New York Times, "To Understand Betsy DeVos’s Educational Views, View Her Education," 10 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'staunch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of staunch

Middle English, from Anglo-French estanche, feminine of estanc, from estancher to stanch — more at stanch

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First Known Use: 15th century

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staunch Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of staunch

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

- faithful to her promise

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

- remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

- constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

- a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

- steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

- a resolute ally

STAUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

staunch

play

adjective

Definition of staunch for English Language Learners

: very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause

STAUNCH Defined for Kids

staunch

play

adjective \ ˈstȯnch , ˈstänch \

Definition of staunch for Students

stauncher; staunchest

1 :strongly built :substantial

staunch foundations

2 :loyal, steadfast

They were staunch supporters.

—

staunchly

adverb

Medical Dictionary

staunch

medical Definition of staunch

variant of stanch

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See words that rhyme with staunch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for staunch Spanish Central: Translation of staunch Nglish: Translation of staunch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of staunch for Arabic speakers

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staunchly

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STAUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

staunch

Definition of staunch for English Language Learners

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staunch

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staunch

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