staunch1
/stɔːn(t)ʃ
/adjective
1Very loyal and committed in attitude: a staunch supporter of the anti-nuclear lobby a staunch Catholic...
- Although their commitments to Hull meant they were unable to take up an active role with York, Stabler remains a staunch supporter of the Wasps.
- Denmark's government is a staunch supporter of the Bush administration and has committed troops to Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Dr. Haloburdo is described as a dedicated, quiet, staunch supporter of baccalaureate education for nurses.
Synonyms
stalwart, loyal, faithful, trusty, committed, devoted, dedicated, dependable, reliable, steady, constant, hard-working, vigorous, stable, firm, steadfast, redoubtable, resolute, unswerving, unwavering, unhesitating, unfaltering
2(Of a wall) of strong or firm construction: these staunch walls could withstand attack by cannon
2.1 (also stanch) archaic (Of a ship) watertight: powerful and stanch boats
Derivatives
staunchness
/ noun ...- A battle is a severe test of the troops' maturity, psychological staunchness, courage and bravery.
- By demonstrating his willpower, staunchness, boldness and cold-blooded approach the commander shows his subordinates how to perform one's duty on the battlefield.
- The US media are lauding the dynamism, authority and staunchness of Britain's leader.
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'watertight'): from Old French estanche, feminine of estanc, from a Romance base meaning 'dried up, weary'. Sense 1 dates from the early 17th century.
Rhymes
staunch2
/stɔːn(t)ʃ/ /stɑːn(t)ʃ /(chiefly US also stanch)
verb [with object]
1Stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound: he staunched the blood with whatever came to hand figurative the company did nothing to staunch the tide of rumours...
- The hospital had been alerted and by the time we got there the doctor was already waiting outside for us and we went straight into the emergency room where they staunched the blood flow.
- After the physio had tried to staunch the flow of blood to the head wound, he called for an ambulance to get Abrazu into hospital.
- She was dangerously close to a coma when the ambulance got there, but they managed to staunch the blood flow enough to move her to the hospital.
1.1Stop the flow of blood from (a wound).Schilling wasn't alone in being willing to spill a little blood to staunch an ancient wound....
- Unless I staunch this wound now, I'll leave a trail from here to the bathroom, and this was not what my wife was expecting to see when she came home.
- With the tail of my t-shirt, I staunched the wound on my forehead, which I hadn't noticed until the blood dribbled into my eyes.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French estanchier, from the base of staunch1.