alliance

al·li·ance

noun \ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s\

Definition of ALLIANCE

1

a : the state of being allied : the action of allying

b : a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals <a closer alliance between government and industry>

2

: an association to further the common interests of the members; specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty

3

: union by relationship in qualities : affinity

4

: a treaty of alliance

Examples of ALLIANCE

1. We need to form a closer alliance between government and industry.
2. strengthen the alliance of western nations
3. There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world.
4. The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media.
5. one nation working in alliance with another
6. There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.

First Known Use of ALLIANCE

14th century

Related to ALLIANCE

Synonyms

accord, treaty, compact, convention, covenant, pact

Antonyms

disaffiliation, dissociation

Related Words

entente, entente cordiale; bargain, bond, charter, concord, contract, deal, settlement, understanding; projet

Near Antonyms

breakup, dissolution, disunion; division, parting, separation, severance, split; alienation, divorce, estrangement

Rhymes with ALLIANCE

affiance, nonscience

Al·li·ance

geographical name \ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s\

Definition of ALLIANCE

city NE Ohio NE of Canton pop 23,253

alliance

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In international politics, a union for joint action of various powers or states. Examples include the alliance of the European powers and the U.S. against Germany and its allies during World War II and the alliance of the NATO states against the Soviet Union and its allies during the Cold War. Many alliances rest on the principle of collective security, through which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. Major alliances formed after World War II include the ANZUS Pact, the Arab League, ASEAN, the Organization of American States, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, and the Warsaw Pact.