ally

¹

[ verb uh-lahy; noun al-ahy, uh-lahy ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lied, al·ly·ing.

1. to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually followed by with or to ):

   Russia allied itself to France.

   Synonyms: wed, combine, join, unify

2. to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.

verb (used without object)

, al·lied, al·ly·ing.

1. to enter into an alliance; join; unite.

noun

, plural al·lies.

1. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose:

   Canada and the United States were allies in World War II.

   Synonyms: confederate, partner

   Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy

2. Biology. a plant, animal, or other organism bearing an evolutionary relationship to another, often as a member of the same family:

   The squash is an ally of the watermelon.

3. a person who associates or cooperates with another; supporter.

   Synonyms: helper, assistant, auxiliary, coadjutor, colleague, abettor, accessory, accomplice, aide, friend

   Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy

4. a person who advocates for or supports a marginalized or politicized group but is not a member of the group: As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

   Straight allies speak up for the LGBTQ community.

   As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

-ally

²

1. an adverbial suffix attached to certain adjectives with stems in -ic that have no forms ending in -ical: terrifically.

ally

verb

1. to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage
2. tr; usually passive to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible

noun

1. a country, person, or group allied with another
2. a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form

Other Words From

• al·li·a·ble adjective
• pre·al·ly noun plural preallies
• pre·al·ly verb preallied preallying

Word History and Origins

Origin of ally¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English alien, from Anglo-French alal(l)ierier, aillaier, Old French alier, from Latin alligāre “to bind to”; alloy

Origin of ally²

-al ¹ + -ly

Word History and Origins

Origin of ally¹

C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin alligāre to bind to, from ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, the US blocked a Gaza ceasefire draft resolution at the UN Security Council - the fourth time it has used its veto power during the conflict to shield its ally, Israel.

From BBC

The US has blocked a Gaza ceasefire draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council - the fourth time it has used its veto power during the conflict to shield its ally, Israel.

From BBC

Belarus remains Moscow’s strongest ally in Europe.

From BBC

Guardiola later said "part of me is leaving" when director of football Txiki Begiristain announced in October that he - a long-time ally - would be moving on from City at the end of the season.

From BBC

He also declined to speculate on whether there would be any consequences for Turkey as a Nato ally if it did take in the Hamas leaders.

From BBC

Related Words

• associate
• colleague
• friend
• partner