Dictionary
Thesaurus
Sentence Examples

Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » staunch

staunch

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of staunch is someone or something strong, loyal or well made.

(adjective)

An example of staunch is a boat without any leaks.

Staunch means to stop or lessen the flow of something.

(verb)

An example of staunch is to plug up a hole in a barrel to stop the draining of liquid out of the barrel.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See staunch in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to stop or check (the flow of blood or of tears, etc.) from (a wound, opening, etc.)
1. to stop or lessen (the flow or drain of funds, resources, etc.)
2. to stop up or close off (a source of draining or leakage)
Now Chiefly Dial.
1. to quench; quell
2. to allay; appease

Origin: ME stanchen < OFr estanchier < VL *stanticare, to bring to a stop < L stans: see stance

intransitive verb

to cease flowing or draining out or away

adjective

watertight; seaworthy: a staunch ship
firm; steadfast; loyal: a staunch supporter
strong; solidly made; substantial

Origin: OFr estanche, fem. of estanc, akin to v.

Related Forms:

staunchly adverb
staunchness noun

See staunch in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective staunch·er also stanch·er, staunch·est also stanch·est

Firm and steadfast; true. See Synonyms at faithful.
Having a strong or substantial construction or constitution.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English staunche

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman estaunche

Origin: , from estaunchier, to stanch

Origin: , variant of Old French estanchier; see stanch ¹

.

Related Forms:

staunchˈly adverb

staunchˈness noun

Usage Note: Staunch is more common than stanch as the spelling of the adjective. Stanch is more common than staunch as the spelling of the verb.

verb

Variant of stanch¹. See Usage Note at staunch¹.

Learn more about staunch

staunch synonyms

staunch in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

» more results...

statutory offense

About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Help
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.