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 Word Forms

• nonallegiance noun
• overallegiance 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

He pledges allegiance to India and says he never intends to return to Sri Lanka.

From BBC

The rituals of punishing those with the wrong allegiance now found expression in the mass-produced revolver and later in the automatic rifle.

From Salon

He said he expects the vigil to include prayers, the pledge of allegiance and lots of tears.

From Los Angeles Times

Both opponents and supporters of the bill say it will depend on a number of cross-bench peers who do not have a party allegiance.

From BBC

Both were intrigued by the idea that each episode depicted the characters’ individual takes on the events, forcing viewers to frequently change their allegiance about who is right.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.