allyship

American  

[al-ahy-ship] / ˈæl aɪˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the status or role of a person who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of a marginalized or politicized group in all areas of society, not as a member of that group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view and under its leadership.

   Genuine allyship does not come with special recognition—we do not get awards for confronting issues people have to live with every day.

2. the relationship or status of persons, groups, or nations associating and cooperating with one another for a common cause or purpose.

   In 1943, fearing that earlier racist immigration laws would hinder allyship with China in the war against Japan, the U.S. passed legislation allowing 105 Chinese immigrants per year.

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Etymology

Origin of allyship

First recorded in 1845–50; ally ( def. ) + -ship ( def. )

Example Sentences

That helped boost its moderating credentials, burnished by its allyship with heavyweight regional players, including Saudi Arabia and Beijing.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But that is an incredible allyship I feel with Bob.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2024

People wore safety pins to reassure vulnerable gender minorities of their allyship and planted yard signs declaring that “No human being is illegal” to protest Trump’s immigration rhetoric.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2024

The charity is running a male allyship event on 22 November to raise awareness of gender inequality and discrimination.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

There are individuals who identify as cisgender straight individuals, but they want to show their allyship so they delay marriage until everyone’s able to marry.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024