staunch

IPA: stˈɔntʃ

(obsolete) That which stanches or checks a flow.
(specifically, archaic) A plant or substance which stops the flow of blood; a styptic.
(obsolete) An act of stanching or stopping.
(mining) Synonym of afterdamp (“suffocating gases present in a coal mine after an explosion caused by firedamp”)
Alternative spelling of stanch (“a floodgate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release; also, a dam or lock in a river”) [A floodgate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release; also, a dam or lock in a river.]

Alternative spelling of stanch [(transitive, archaic except poetic) To stop the flow of (water or some other liquid).]

Not permitting water or some other liquid to escape or penetrate; watertight.
(by extension) Impermeable to air or other gases; airtight.
Strongly built; also, in good or strong condition.
(figuratively)
Staying true to one's aims or principles; firm, resolute, unswerving.
Dependable, loyal, reliable, trustworthy.
(chiefly hunting) Of a hunting dog: that can be depended on to pick up the scent of, or to mark, game.
(obsolete) Cautious, restrained.
stubborn, intransigent

Examples of "staunch" in Sentences

Menino was described as a "staunch opponent" of the retailer.
Nonetheless, even those in staunch opposition are usually won over once Ferret works his furry [...] 2 April 2010, 0: 57 am
"I needed to do what's best for my family," she said Tuesday, adding that she and her 30-year-old husband, Jason, remain staunch Obama supporters.
Summary: Although staunch is the most common spelling of the adjective meaning “firm” and stanch is the most common spelling of the verb meaning “stop (the flow)”, both spellings are acceptable for both meanings.
A former member of the Arlington School Board and the Arlington County Board, who served as a representative on the Metro board, Whipple, 70, has been known as a staunch advocate of public transit and the environment.
Her idea of being a "great American" (a label staunch conservatives like Coulter, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh bestow on each other) is to proudly wear her homophobia and racial and religious intolerance on her sleeve like a badge of honor.
Appointed to Morals Court in 1926, she became known as a staunch advocate of women's rights and used her position to protect the needs of women and families, publicly arguing that abandonment be treated as a felony and that grounds for divorce be made more difficult for the man.