staunch

About 1.36 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. adjective Not permitting water or some other liquid to escape or penetrate; watertight. Impermeable to air or other gases; airtight.
2. adjective Impermeable to air or other gases; airtight.
3. adjective Strongly built; also, in good or strong condition.
4. adjective Staying true to one's aims or principles; firm, resolute, unswerving.

   Without our staunch front line the enemy would have split the regiment.

5. adjective Staying true to one's aims or principles; firm, resolute, unswerving.

   Without our staunch front line the enemy would have split the regiment.

6. adjective Dependable, loyal, reliable, trustworthy.

   He’s been a staunch supporter of mine through every election.

7. adjective Of a hunting dog: that can be depended on to pick up the scent of, or to mark, game.
8. adjective Cautious, restrained.

Similar words

steadfast constant unswerving stem stanch halt trusty reliable faithful loyal

Often followed by

supporter and friend supporters the defender advocate republican friends ally

Word family

stanch stancher stanchest staunched stauncher staunches staunchest staunching staunchly staunchness