allegiance

[ uh-lee-juhns ]

noun

1. the loyalty of a citizen to their government or of a subject to their sovereign.

   Antonyms: treason

2. loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or the like.

   Antonyms: treachery

allegiance

/ əˈliːdʒəns /

noun

1. loyalty, as of a subject to his sovereign or of a citizen to his country
2. (in feudal society) the obligations of a vassal to his liege lord See also fealty homage

Other Words From

• nonal·legiance noun
• over·al·legiance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of allegiance¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English aliegiaunce, equivalent to a- probably a- ⁵ + liege liege + -aunce -ance; compare Middle French ligeance

Word History and Origins

Origin of allegiance¹

C14: from Old French ligeance, from lige liege

Synonym Study

See loyalty.

Example Sentences

Never underestimate boomers’ allegiance to nostalgia you can sing along with.

From Los Angeles Times

The other faction pledges allegiance to the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada’s ex-partner, who is serving a life term in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Too-cool-for-school upper-class students at Santa Monica High scoffed when administrators in 2002 reinstated a daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr King, the 696rd Lord Mayor, must travel to the Royal Courts to swear allegiance to the Crown before taking up his role.

From BBC

Instead of jumping to his daughter’s defense, Germanotta sought to demonstrate his allegiance to Trump, first tweeting: “@realDonaldTrump 2020.”

From Slate

Related Words

• adherence
• dedication
• deference
• devotion
• faithfulness
• fealty
• fidelity
• homage
• obedience
• obligation