Stanch: meaning, definitions and examples

stop a flow

To stanch means to stop or restrict the flow of something, especially fluid, often blood. It is commonly used in medical contexts, such as when someone is bleeding and you need to apply pressure to stanch the wound. The term can also be used more metaphorically to describe preventing something from increasing or spreading, like emotions or a situation. In essence, it refers to the act of halting or controlling a flow.

control, halt, stem, stop

Examples of usage

• The nurse was able to stanch the bleeding from the patient's wound.

• They quickly applied a bandage to stanch the flow of blood.

• Efforts were made to stanch the rumors that were spreading in the community.