rapprochement
ruh-PROSH-mahng
/ræˈprɒʃmɒ̃/
An establishment or resumption of harmonious relations between countries or groups.
Implies a active movement toward friendlier, warmer relations after a prolonged period of conflict or estrangement.
The story behind the word. Borrowed directly from French, formed from 're-' (again) + 'approcher' (to draw near, from Latin 'prope' meaning 'near'). It literally signifies 'bringing two parties close together again' after being kept apart by disagreement.
Word relationships
- reconciliation: Broader term applicable to personal, family, or political disputes; rapprochement is heavily favored in international diplomacy.
- re-establishment: Lacks the warm nuance of restoring harmonious political trust.
- estrangement: The state of being alienated or separated through hostility.
- alienation: Growing apart or becoming hostile toward one another.
Commonly confused with
- detente: Detente is the relaxation of tensions (stopping anger), whereas rapprochement goes further toward actively establishing friendly relations.
Collocations
- diplomatic rapprochement
- achieve rapprochement
- seek rapprochement
- pave the way for rapprochement
Example sentences
- "The historic meeting between the two leaders led to a diplomatic rapprochement after decades of hostility." Diplomatic History
- "Analysts debated whether the economic agreement signaled a genuine rapprochement or merely temporary political convenience." Foreign Policy Analysis
Memory hook
RAPPROCHEMENT: RAPPROACHING each other to become friends again. Drawing close again after a long rift.
When not to use
Do not use for routine daily cooperation between long-standing allies.
Fun facts
- Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China is hailed as one of the most unexpected diplomatic rapprochements of the 20th century.
Explore more words
reconciliation, reconcile, conciliation, accord, amicable, rapport
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