pact
UK: pækt | US: pækt
n. a formal agreement between individuals or parties
n. a treaty or contract, often binding in nature
The word "pact" originates from the Latin pactum, meaning "agreement" or "contract," derived from pacisci ("to agree"). It entered English via Old French pacte in the late Middle Ages, retaining its core sense of a binding agreement. The simplicity of its structure (no prefix/suffix) reflects its direct adoption from Latin, emphasizing its historical role in diplomacy and law.
The two nations signed a peace pact to end the conflict.
Their business partnership was sealed with a verbal pact.
The environmental pact aims to reduce carbon emissions.
Breaking the pact would have serious consequences.
A pact among the allies ensured mutual defense in times of war.