rapprochement

[ rap-rohsh-mahn; French ra-prawsh-mahn ]

/ ˌræp roʊʃˈmɑ̃; French ra prɔʃˈmɑ̃ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rapprochement ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations: a rapprochement reached between warring factions.

Nearby words

Origin of rapprochement

1800–10; < French, equivalent to rapproche(r) to bring near, bring together (r(e)- re- + approcher; see approach) + -ment -ment

SYNONYMS FOR rapprochement

reconciliation, understanding, accommodation.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rapprochement ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rapprochement

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Most Latin Americans celebrated the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba.
Venezuela Says Goodbye to Its Lil Friend, While the Rest of the Continent Cheers|Catalina Lobo-Guererro|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This rapprochement was The Birth of a Nation that Griffith evoked when he changed the name of his movie from The Clansman.
The Fight to Ban ‘Birth of a Nation’|Jack Schwartz|November 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was even a rapprochement between him and his father before his death.
The Secrets of Britain’s Wildest Aristocrats|Tom Sykes|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fittingly, some rapprochement seems to be taking place between both schools of thought.
Oh, if These Penises and Vaginas Could Talk: Genitalia as Tools, Toys, and Weapons|Menno Schilthuizen|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

U.S. President Barack Obama is almost certainly determined to make some form of rapprochement with Iran his foreign policy legacy.
Israel Must Take a More Diplomatic Approach Toward Iran|David Patrikarakos|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The rapprochement with Russia was another proof that France, in spite of its troubles, was to be reckoned with in Europe.
A History of the Third French Republic|C. H. C. Wright
As a result of the kidnaping at Sian at the end of 1936, the Nationalists and the Communists drifted toward a rapprochement.
Government in Republican China|Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger
From her uncomfortable isolation there were only two possible exits—a rapprochement with Germany or a rapprochement with England.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8|Various
Even English attempts at a rapprochement must not blind us to the real situation, says Bernhardi.
The German War|Arthur Conan Doyle
He here seeks to effect a rapprochement between metaphysic and science.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 5|Various

British Dictionary definitions for rapprochement

rapprochement

/ French (raprɔʃmɑ̃) /

noun

a resumption of friendly relations, esp between two countries

Word Origin for rapprochement

C19: literally: bringing closer

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rapprochement

rapprochement

"establishment of cordial relations," 1809, from French rapprochement "reunion, reconciliation," literally "a bringing near," from rapprocher "bring near," from re- "back, again" (see re-) + aprochier (see approach (v.)).

Culture definitions for rapprochement

rapprochement

[ (rap-rohsh-mahnn, rah-prawsh-mahnn) ]

A closer approach of two groups to each other. Rapprochement, a French term, is often applied to two nations, especially ones that become reconciled after relations between them have worsened.

rapprochement

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of rapprochement

Examples from the Web for rapprochement

rapprochement

noun

Word Origin for rapprochement

rapprochement

rapprochement