friends

friends · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    People with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of family or romantic relationships.

  2. 2.

    People who support a cause, organization, or country.

  3. 3.

    (social media) People connected to someone on a social networking platform.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    make friends — to form new friendships
  • •
    friends with benefits — a casual relationship with physical intimacy but no commitment
  • •
    just friends — having a platonic relationship only
  • •
    friends in high places — influential connections
  • •
    a friend in need is a friend indeed — true friends help during difficult times

Related words

Antonyms: enemies, foes, strangers
See also: acquaintance, companion, friend, friendship
Synonyms: buddies, companions, mates, pals

Etymology

Plural of friend, from Old English freond meaning "friend, lover, relative," originally the present participle of freogan "to love, to favor." From Proto-Germanic frijojand-, related to frijo "love." The word is cognate with German Freund.