diehard
|die/hard|
🇺🇸
/ˈdaɪˌhɑrd/
🇬🇧
/ˈdaɪˌhɑːd/
stubbornly resist; refuse to give up
Etymology
'diehard' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'die hard', where 'die' meant 'to cease living' and 'hard' meant 'firmly' or 'resolutely'.
'diehard' changed from the two-word phrase 'die hard' (used in the 19th century in literal and figurative senses) into the hyphenated form 'die-hard' and then into the single-word noun/adjective 'diehard' in modern English.
Initially it referred to the literal idea of 'dying hard' (i.e., resisting death or dying stubbornly); over time it evolved into the figurative meaning of 'a person who stubbornly resists change' or 'an unwavering supporter'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who strongly and unwaveringly supports a particular cause, group, or idea; someone who refuses to change their allegiance or opinions.
He's a diehard of the club and has supported them for decades.
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Adjective 1
stubbornly or resolutely holding to an opinion, position, or habit; unwilling to change.
She remains diehard in her views despite new evidence.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 01:08