allegiance

American  

[uh-lee-juhns] / əˈli dʒəns /

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

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allegiance British  

/ 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

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Usage

What does allegiance mean? Allegiance is loyalty or faithfulness, especially to a person or cause. Allegiance usually refers to a loyalty that is considered extremely important, such as to a country or leader. If you went to school in the United States, you’re familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance, which is an oath of loyalty to the country recited by schoolchildren and at patriotic ceremonies. This type of formal loyalty is what’s implied by allegiance. The adjective form of allegiance is allegiant. Example: Her supporters’ allegiance never lessened, even in the aftermath of the scandal.

Related Words

See loyalty.

Other Word Forms

• nonallegiance noun
• overallegiance noun

Etymology

Origin of allegiance

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

Explanation

Every second grader knows how to pledge allegiance to the flag, but do you think they realize when they place their right hand over their hearts that they're expressing loyalty to what we call the "Red, White, and Blue"? You can pledge your allegiance to a flag or swear your allegiance to a government or cause. Either way you're expressing your commitment and devotion in the firmest sense of the word. The liege in allegiance comes from the Old French word meaning "lord and master," which is who you would have been swearing your allegiance to if you'd been a servant in France centuries ago.

Example Sentences

I bring my striving attitude to the kitchen and have sworn my allegiance to paying attention to details and putting in the time required.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Judge Richard Parker agreed with the prosecutors, holding that treason may be committed “wherever allegiance is due.”

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

"A person is subject to the United States' 'jurisdiction' only if he owes sufficient allegiance to, and may claim protection from, the United States."

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The older cases and treatises turned not simply on place of birth, but on protection, allegiance and the sovereign’s acceptance of the parents’ presence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

From now oh, he felt an allegiance to the roaches that he knew would never fade.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

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