Main Entry: ¹join

Pronunciation: \ˈjȯin\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French joindre, from Latin jungere — more at yoke

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 a : to put or bring together so as to form a unit <join two blocks of wood with glue> b : to connect (as points) by a line c : adjoin
2 : to put or bring into close association or relationship <joined in marriage>
3 : to engage in (battle)
4 a : to come into the company of <joined us for lunch> b : to associate oneself with <joined the church>intransitive verb 1 a : to come together so as to be connected <nouns join to form compounds> b : adjoin <the two estates join>
2 : to come into close association or relationship: as a : to form an alliance b : to become a member of a group c : to take part in a collective activity <join in singing>

— join·able \ˈjȯi-nə-bəl\ adjective

synonyms join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness <joined forces in an effort to win>. combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit <combined jazz and rock to create a new music>. unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity <the colonies united to form a republic>. connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity <a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations>. link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity <a name forever linked with liberty>. associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation <opera is popularly associated with high society>. relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection <related what he observed to what he already knew>.