staunch
staunch Lexical Profile
staunch Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Loyal, resolute, and committed in attitude, principle, or allegiance.
"She remained a staunch advocate for public education throughout her entire career."
Of a physical structure or vessel: strong, solid, and watertight or weatherproof in construction.
"The sailors trusted the staunch oak hull to carry them safely through the winter gale."
• verb
To stop or restrict a flow of blood, liquid, or an undesirable outflow (such as financial losses or a drain of resources).
"The paramedic applied firm pressure to the bandage to staunch the flow of blood."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'staunch' and 'stanch' are historical variants of the same word, modern usage strongly prefers 'staunch' for the adjective ('a staunch supporter') and often favors 'stanch' (though 'staunch' is also widely accepted) for the verb meaning to stop a flow ('to stanch the bleeding').
• Rhymes for staunch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'estanchier' (to stop or check a flow) and the related adjective 'estanche' (watertight, firm), probably from Vulgar Latin '*stanticare', ultimately derived from Latin 'stare' (to stand).