fraternization
Americannoun
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the act of associating with a person or group in a friendly way.
He sees race relations in Brazil as relatively harmonious, with fraternization in sports and carnivals.
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social or, especially, intimate association with natives of a conquered country, with enemy or allied troops, between members of an organization who are of different ranks, etc..
The colonel was disciplined for fraternization with a junior enlisted airman.
Etymology
Origin of fraternization
First recorded in 1790–1800; fraterniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )
Explanation
The act of hanging out or being friendly with other people, especially people you don't usually associate with, is fraternization. Your field hockey coach may discourage fraternization with the opposing team. Some fraternization is innocent, friendly fun, like the fraternization you do after work with your co-workers, people you wouldn't necessarily socialize with if you didn't happen to work together. There's also "fraternization with the enemy," which has a more sinister, treasonous implication, particularly in the military or government. The word fraternization comes from the Latin word for "brotherly," fraternus.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The most concerning stories, of course, involve Scalia’s private fraternization with and receipt of free travel from those with cases or ongoing interests before the court.
From Slate ● Apr. 6, 2023
The company maintains strict divisions between departments, and romantic fraternization is discouraged.
From New York Times ● Aug. 15, 2022
While no fraternization between the teams was allowed, Lesko remembers great camaraderie among her teammates.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 5, 2022
According to Carnival’s statement, the company fired Anggara after the incident was reported because it has a zero-tolerance policy for “crew fraternization with guests.”
From Washington Post ● Jul. 23, 2022
Here were no signs of fraternization or amicable intercourse.
From The Insurrection in Paris by Davy (An Englishman)
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