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?

O brother where art thou? In many an English word descended from the Latin noun frater, meaning “brother,” that’s where. Both fraternize and fraternal (meaning “of, relating to, or involving brothers”), for example, come to us by way of Medieval Latin from frater. Other frater progeny in English include friar and fraternity. Even brother itself shares a relationship with frater (albeit it a more distant one). These days, although fraternize can still apply to a brotherly association or simple friendliness, it is often used in phrases, 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The coalition commander, U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf, diligently tried to comply with the cultural values of his Saudi hosts by ordering his troops to refrain from consuming alcohol or viewing pornography, from holding public religious services, and from fraternizing with the locals. Peter R. Mansoor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2011 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 See all Example Sentences for fraternize 

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 15 Nov. 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

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