fraternize

[ frat-er-nahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, frat·er·nized, frat·er·niz·ing.

1. to associate socially or romantically with people considered inappropriate company, often due to a difference in status, as between managers and subordinates, or professors and students:

   Doctors fraternizing with interns is nothing new, but hospital management is considering stricter policies to discourage it.

2. to associate cordially or intimately with the people of a conquered country, enemy troops, etc., especially in violation of orders or rules:

   Of the charges these officers are facing, the most serious is fraternizing with the enemy.

3. to associate in a fraternal or friendly way.

   Synonyms: hobnob, consort, mix, mingle, socialize

verb (used with object)

, frat·er·nized, frat·er·niz·ing.

1. Archaic. to bring into fraternal association or sympathy.

fraternize

/ ˈfrætəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. introften foll bywith to associate on friendly terms

Derived Forms

• ˌfraterniˈzation, noun
• ˈfraterˌnizer, noun

Other Words From

• frat·er·ni·za·tion [frat-er-nahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• frat·er·niz·er noun
• un·frat·er·nized adjective
• un·frat·er·niz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fraternize¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French fraterniser, from Medieval Latin frāternizāre; fraternal, -ize

Example Sentences

Red-brick buildings from the 19th century fraternize with high glass facades and renovated interiors: a new sports complex, a new “well-being” center.

From New York Times

Camper vans and recreational vehicles crowd the arena parking lot, where players drink beer, grill meat and fraternize between games.

From Seattle Times

In his unit, the officers aren’t saddled by rules against fraternizing with prisoners.

From Los Angeles Times

According to a recently opened exhibition at the Library of Congress, one reason that 17th-century Britons left their homeland for a new world was to organize and fraternize more freely.

From Washington Post

“We saw videos, for example, of police fraternizing with demonstrators,” he said.

From New York Times