defend resolutely; stubbornly adhere to
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to hold fast; to defend tenaciously
Used to describe defending a position (military, strategic, or metaphorical) with great determination and refusing to give it up.
The soldiers vowed to defend the position to the death.
They used the city walls to tenaciously hold their ground from a strategically advantageous position.
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This company is holding fast to its market share amidst fierce competition.
verb
to stubbornly adhere to; to cling rigidly to
derogatoryDescribes a negative adherence to outdated ideas, methods, or traditions, with a connotation of being narrow-minded and unwilling to change.
He lacks initiative and only knows how to stubbornly adhere to old rules.
We cannot rigidly cling to old ideas; we must keep pace with the times.
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Preserving tradition is important, but innovation is also necessary. (Here used neutrally, but implies potential inflexibility.)