Dictionary
1staunch
2staunch
adjective \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\
: very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause
Full Definition of STAUNCH
1
a : watertight, sound b : strongly built : substantial
2
: steadfast in loyalty or principle <a staunch friend>
— staunch·ly adverb
— staunch·ness noun
See staunch defined for English-language learners
Variants of STAUNCH
staunch also stanch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch\
Origin of STAUNCH
Middle English, from Anglo-French estanche, feminine of estanc, from estancher to stanch — more at stanch
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to STAUNCH
- Synonyms
- constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, faithful (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
- Antonyms
- disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
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 Kids
staunch
adjective \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\
staunch·erstaunch·est
Definition of STAUNCH for Kids
1
: strongly built : substantial <staunch foundations>
Medical Dictionary
staunch
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