alliance

al-li-ance · noun

imported

Definitions

1.
A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries, organizations, or political parties.
2.
The state of being allied; the relationship between allies.
3.
A marriage or family connection.

plural: alliances

•
form an alliance — To create a partnership or coalition.
•
strategic alliance — A partnership formed for specific business or political goals.
•
military alliance — A treaty between nations for mutual defense.
•
unholy alliance — An alliance between unlikely or morally questionable partners.
•
in alliance with — Working together with; partnered with.

From Old French aliance ("alliance"), from alier ("to ally"), from Latin alligare ("to bind to"), from ad- ("to") + ligare ("to bind").