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

“It is our Islamic obligation to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and give it our Islamic fealty,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

The capital of Chechnya, Grozny, was attacked Thursday by insurgents who may have sworn allegiance to ISIS.

From The Daily Beast

It is likely that Baghdadi has officially gained the allegiance of a number of fighters.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, the group highlighted the oaths of allegiance in today's beheading video.

From The Daily Beast

Their “consistently liberal” corollaries split their allegiance among CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and The New York Times.

From The Daily Beast

The rebel Planner had fallen from his allegiance, and was making his terms with the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet it seems all but certain that he was in Edward's allegiance within three weeks before the battle.

From Project Gutenberg

A citizen of the United States who resides in a state owes a double allegiance, and can demand protection from each government.

From Project Gutenberg

Citizen-ship implies the duty of allegiance to the government, and the right of protection from it.

From Project Gutenberg

Instinct had prompted her to put away her husband's bounty in casting off her allegiance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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