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

Though Israel had still not formally ratified the pact, it was expected to do so Thursday evening, and celebrations had already broken out in the country.

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And aluminum shipments continued to falter after U.S. tariffs first introduced in March were doubled in June with no carve-out for goods compliant with the existing North America trade pact.

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She also, however, floated the possibility of renegotiation if her government determined the pact wasn’t working in Japan’s interests.

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His best hope appears to be some kind of political pact to prevent any new government being thrown out in a confidence vote.

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"How could you explain going into a pact with a party that wants to increase welfare?" she asked.

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Related Words

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