alliance
uh-LYE-unss
/əˈlaɪəns/
A formal agreement or union formed between nations or organizations for mutual benefit and defense.
Implies a binding pledge of mutual support, often formalized through solemn treaties such as NATO or historical defense pacts.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'aliance', derived from Latin 'alligare', combining 'ad-' (to) and 'ligare' (to bind, tie). The root 'ligare' also gives us 'ligament' and 'obligation'. Thus, entering an alliance literally means tying your state's destiny to another nation's future.
Word relationships
- coalition: A coalition is often a temporary grouping for a specific short-term goal, whereas an alliance is usually a long-term formal treaty.
- pact: A pact is a specific treaty or contract, while an alliance refers to the ongoing relationship between partner states.
- enmity: Enmity is active mutual hostility, direct opposite of an alliance.
- antagonism: Antagonism involves active opposition and conflict between parties.
Commonly confused with
- multilateral: Multilateral describes actions involving many parties, while an alliance is the formal union or treaty connecting those parties.
Word family
- ally (noun): A state or person formally cooperating with another.
- ally (verb): To combine or unite resources for mutual benefit.
- allied (adjective): Joined by treaty, agreement, or common cause.
Collocations
- military alliance
- form an alliance
- strategic alliance
- defensive alliance
Idioms & expressions
- unholy alliance
- forge an alliance
Example sentences
- "The military alliance pledged that an armed attack against one member state would be treated as an attack against all members." Defense Treaties
- "Forming a broad economic alliance allowed smaller nations to negotiate on equal terms with major world powers." Geopolitical Strategy
Memory hook
ALLIES are ALL TIED together like LIGAMENTS in one strong body. Bound together for defense.
When not to use
Do not use for informal or temporary friendships; an alliance implies explicit, formal contractual obligations.
Fun facts
- The oldest continuous military alliance in the world still in force today is the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, signed all the way back in 1373.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.