Word of the Day

: February 21, 2011

fraternize

verb FRAT-er-nyze

What It Means

1 : to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms

2 a : to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group especially when contrary to military orders

b : to be friendly or amiable

fraternize in Context

The boss warned that fraternizing with the junior employees could be a risky career move for a manager.

"Packers and Bears players fraternize with each other in the offseason. They attend each other's charity functions. They work out together and, dare I say it, look out for one another." -- From an article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (Wisconsin), January 22, 2011

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.