fraternize

verb

frat·​er·​nize ˈfra-tər-ˌnīz How to pronounce fraternize (audio)
fraternized; fraternizing

intransitive verb

1
: to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms
fraternized with the other guests at the party
2
a
: to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group especially when contrary to military orders
were ordered not to fraternize with the enemy
b
: to be friendly or amiable
fraternization noun
fraternizer noun

Did you know?

Both fraternize and fraternal (meaning "of, relating to, or involving brothers") come to us, by way of Medieval Latin, from Latin frater, meaning "brother." Other frater descendants in English include friar, fraternity, and confraternity ("a society devoted especially to a religious or charitable cause"). Even brother itself shares a relationship with frater. These days, although fraternize can still refer to a brotherly association or simple friendliness, it often occurs in contexts, such as "fraternizing with the enemy," implying friendliness toward someone who would be better avoided.

Examples of fraternize in a Sentence

It is usually unwise to fraternize with your employees. don't fraternize just with people of the same race, religion, or social background
Recent Examples on the Web The Vain founders spent time fraternizing around another monument, the glowing M of the local McDonald’s sign. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2024 Lee strikes out in his initial attempts to connect, but Eugene gradually starts fraternizing with him at bars. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 Guests can kick their night off, before potentially venturing out, at Azul Rooftop or Bar Hugo Rooftops, fraternizing with young New Yorkers. Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2024 Traveling far to fraternize might have cost too much energy. Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for fraternize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fraternize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraternize was in 1611

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Dictionary Entries Near fraternize

Cite this Entry

“Fraternize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraternize. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

fraternize

verb
frat·​er·​nize ˈfrat-ər-ˌnīz How to pronounce fraternize (audio)
fraternized; fraternizing
: to associate as friends
fraternization noun
fraternizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fraternize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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