pact

[pakt]

noun

1. an agreement, covenant, or compact.

   We made a pact not to argue any more.

2. an agreement or treaty between two or more nations.

   a pact between Germany and Italy.

pact

/ pækt /

noun

1. an agreement or compact between two or more parties, nations, etc, for mutual advantage

Word History and Origins

Origin of pact¹

1400–50; late Middle English pact(e) < Middle French < Latin pactum, noun use of neuter of past participle of pacīscī to make a bargain, contract

Word History and Origins

Origin of pact¹

C15: from Old French pacte, from Latin pactum, from pacīscī to agree

Example Sentences

He added that Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia, have been pushing for more formal — and well-defined — defense pacts, but that the relationship with the U.S. needed to reflect recent changes.

From Los Angeles Times

Bayrou managed to pass a budget thanks to a non-aggression pact with the Socialists, but their relations plunged when a conference on the latest pension reform failed to take account of Socialist demands.

From BBC

There are some indications already that Delhi has been actively working to expedite other trade pacts.

From BBC

Under an immigration pact between Canada and the US - the Safe Third Country Agreement - migrants without a visa must claim asylum at a land border crossing.

From BBC

Kim’s growing diplomatic ambitions have in recent years involved a defense pact with Russia and the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the war in Ukraine in exchange for technological and military assistance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement 
• compact 
• contract 
• convention 
• covenant 
• deal 
• protocol 
• settlement 
• transaction 
• understanding