Staunch

adjective
loyal & committed in attitude; of strong or firm construction.
derived from Fr. estanche meaning dried up or weary.
in the sense of strong & substantial; similar to resolute

transitive verb
to stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound.

ADJ
Following the spring holiday, Meredith maintained a staunch demeanor regarding her return to classes.
Tim is a staunch supporter of Jessica Carter.
Paul staunchly desired to do the work of the Lord.

V
Gregory House saved a life by staunching the flow of blood and stopping the patient's seizures.
When David killed the lion with his bare hands, he didn't bother to staunch the bleeding.

[Today's word was chosen strongly on the basis of phonetic appeal.]