stanch

Meanings

Verb

• To stop the flow of.
• To cease, as the flowing of blood.
• To prop; to make stanch, or strong.
• To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst.

Noun

• That which stanches or checks a flow.
• A floodgate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release.

Adjective

• Strong and tight; sound; firm.
• Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steadfast.
• Close; secret; private.

Origin

• From Middle English staunchen and staunche, from Old French estanchier ("to stanch") and estanche, origin uncertain, possibly from Vulgar Latin *stanticō, from Latin stō. Compare Spanish estancar. See also staunch.