stanch
stanch Lexical Profile
stanch Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To stop or restrict the flow of a liquid, especially blood from a wound, or figuratively to halt a rapid outflow or decline.
"The paramedic applied firm pressure with a sterile bandage to stanch the bleeding."
• adjective
Firm and steadfast in loyalty, principle, or attitude; staunch.
"She remained a stanch defender of public libraries throughout her career in city government."
Of strong, watertight, or substantial construction; impervious to water or other fluids.
"The sailors trusted the stanch hull of the oak vessel to endure the rough autumn crossing."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although "stanch" and "staunch" are historically variants of the same word and are often used interchangeably, style guides generally recommend "stanch" for the verb meaning "to stop a flow" and "staunch" for the adjective meaning "loyal and steadfast."
• Rhymes for stanch
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French "estanchier" (to stop a flow), which likely derives from Vulgar Latin "*stanticare," ultimately rooted in Latin "stare" (to stand).