Crossword Dictionary
staunch
steadfast, staunch, unswerving - a
firm and dependable especially in loyalty; "a steadfast ally"; "a staunch defender of free speech"; "unswerving devotion"; "unswerving allegiance"
synonyms
constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, good, loyal, pious, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
in a sentence
She is a staunch advocate of women's rights.
He's a staunch believer in the value of regular exercise.
I'm one of his staunchest supporters.
etymology
early 15c., "impervious to water," from Old French estanche "firm, watertight," fem. of estanc "tired, exhausted, wearied, vanquished; water-tight; withered, dried" (Modern French étanche), from Vulgar Latin *stanticare (source also of Spanish estanco "water-tight," Italian stanco "exhausted, weary"), probably from Latin stans (genitive stantis), present participle of stare "to stand," from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm." Sense of "strong, substantial" first recorded mid-15c.; of persons, "standing firm and true to one's principles" from 1620s.