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

"Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!"

From BBC

But a ceasefire deal in 2020 brokered by Russia, which has long been Assad’s key ally, and Turkey, which has backed the rebels, has largely held.

From BBC

I’m just obligated here, as a sidebar, to keep flagging instances of Alanis being an ally to my people.

From Salon

Assad's government and its ally Russia rejected the report and alleged that the Syrian Air Force strike hit a rebel depot full of chemical munitions.

From BBC

As he progressed at the Ally Pally, the Manchester United fan was sent a good luck message by the club's former midfielder and ex-England captain David Beckham.

From BBC

Related Words

• associate
• colleague
• friend
• partner