Home › Military Science & Warfare › Nuclear Proliferation › treaty

treaty

TREE-tee ˈtriːti

nounB1

FormalLegalPolitical

A formally concluded and ratified agreement between states or other international entities.

Always involves two or more sovereign entities and is legally binding under international law.

The story behind the word. The word 'treaty' comes from Old French `traité`, which meant 'negotiation' or 'agreement.' This in turn derived from the Latin `tractare`, meaning 'to handle, manage, discuss.' So, a treaty is something that has been carefully 'handled' or 'discussed' to reach a formal, binding agreement between nations.

Word relationships

accord: A formal agreement or understanding, often less comprehensive than a full treaty.
convention: A formal agreement, especially one between states, often on a specific issue.
pact: A formal agreement or promise between individuals or parties, often implying mutual support.

Word family

treatise (noun): A written work dealing extensively with a subject.
treaty-bound (adjective): Obligated by a treaty.

Collocations

peace treaty
arms treaty
international treaty
sign a treaty
ratify a treaty
violate a treaty

Example sentences

"The peace treaty formally ended the decades-long conflict between the two nations." Discussing international law.
"Negotiations for a new arms control treaty are underway, hoping to limit the development of advanced weaponry." Referring to an arms control agreement.
"The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially brought an end to World War I." From a historical document. (Historical Record)

Memory hook

Imagine a 'TREE-ty' as a strong, deeply rooted agreement between nations, like a mighty oak tree that stands for a long time. Formal agreement.

When not to use

For informal agreements, use 'agreement,' 'deal,' 'pact,' or 'understanding.' 'Treaty' implies a high level of formality and legal obligation.

Fun facts

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) is itself a treaty that sets out the fundamental rules for how treaties are made, interpreted, and enforced.