fraternize

especially British, frat·er·nise

[frat-er-nahyz]

verb (used without object)

fraternized, fraternizing 

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)

fraternized, fraternizing 

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

fraternize

/ ˈfrætəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to associate on friendly terms

Other Word Forms

• fraternization noun
• fraternizer noun
• unfraternized adjective
• unfraternizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fraternize¹

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

Example Sentences

When the group went on the road, he went with them and fined his sons if they broke his rules — no booze, no profanity, no fraternizing with women.

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Delson makes an effort to create a safe space that encourages participants to ask questions, fraternize with others and leave their stress at home.

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

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

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

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