Crossword Genius

Well-built dam (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

staunch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'well-built' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)

'dam' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for staunch that I've seen before include "Arrest" , "Reliable" , "Stout" , "Stay - faithful" , "Loyal; restrict (a flow of blood)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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