alliance
UK: əˈlaɪəns | US: əˈlaɪəns
n. a formal agreement or union between parties for mutual benefit
n. a relationship based on shared interests or goals
n. (historical) a treaty between nations or groups
The word "alliance" traces back to the Latin alligare (to bind together), composed of ad- (to) + ligare (to bind). The suffix -ance denotes a state or quality, forming a noun. Over time, "alliance" evolved in Old French as aliance, retaining the core idea of binding parties together, and entered English in the 13th century with the same meaning. The term reflects the literal and figurative "tying" of groups or nations through agreements.
The two companies formed an alliance to develop new technology.
The political alliance secured a majority in the election.
NATO is a military alliance founded in 1949.
Their alliance was based on mutual respect and common goals.
The treaty established a defensive alliance between the countries.