rapprochement

American  

[rap-rohsh-mahn, ra-prawsh-mahn] / ˌræp roʊʃˈmɑ̃, ra prɔʃˈmɑ̃ /

noun

1. an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations.

   a rapprochement reached between warring factions.

   Synonyms:

   accommodation, understanding, reconciliation

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rapprochement British  

/ raprɔʃmɑ̃ /

noun

1. a resumption of friendly relations, esp between two countries

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rapprochement Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of rapprochement

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French, equivalent to rapproche(r) “to bring near, bring together,” from r(e)- + approcher + -ment; re-, approach, -ment

Example Sentences

Kim had largely ignored these overtures and dashed hopes of rapprochement in a fiery statement delivered at the end of a landmark party congress.

From Barron's

As part of that rapprochement, he set aside rivalry with Beijing over the resource-rich South China Sea, opting to court Chinese business instead.

From Barron's

The Emirates took the lead in the rapprochement with Israel and have been working with the Jewish state in places like Somaliland.

From The Wall Street Journal

Born in 1972, he played a key role in Libya's rapprochement with the West from 2000 until the collapse of the Gaddafi regime.

From BBC

Also worrisome for the U.S. was a stunningly fast rapprochement between India and Canada.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conciliation
• détente
• friendship
• harmonization
• harmony
• reconciliation