staunch
     adj : firm and dependable especially in loyalty; "a steadfast
           ally"; "a staunch defender of free speech"; "unswerving
           devotion"; "unswerving allegiance" [syn: {steadfast}, {unswerving}]
     v : stop the flow of a liquid; "staunch the blood flow"; "them
         the tide" [syn: {stem}, {stanch}, {halt}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0