Staunch means firmly loyal and committed, unwavering in your support or beliefs. A staunch friend stands by you even when things get difficult, through challenges and setbacks. A staunch defender of the school library keeps arguing for more books and better hours even when the budget gets tight.

The word suggests strength and reliability. Someone who is staunch doesn't waver or change their position based on which way the wind is blowing. A staunch supporter of environmental protection keeps recycling and conserving water year after year, through changing trends and fashions. A coach might have staunch belief in her team's abilities even after a losing streak.

You can be staunch in your principles, your friendships, or your commitments. When you're staunch, you're the opposite of wishy-washy or fair-weather. The word carries respect because staunch people can be counted on. They're the ones who show up, follow through, and stay true to what matters to them, even when it would be easier to give up or switch sides.

Note that staunch is sometimes confused with stanch, which means to stop the flow of something, especially blood. The similar spelling trips people up, but the meanings are different.