rapprochement

[ rap-rohsh-mahn; French ra-prawsh-mahn ]
/ ˌræp roʊʃˈmɑ̃; French ra prɔʃˈmɑ̃ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR rapprochement ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

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Origin of rapprochement

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

Words nearby rapprochement

rapper, rapping, Rappist, rapport, rapporteur, rapprochement, rapscallion, rap session, rap sheet, rap someone's knuckles, rapt
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to rapprochement

détente, reconciliation, friendship, harmony, harmonization, cordiality, friendliness, agreement, softening, reunion, reconcilement

Example sentences from the Web for rapprochement

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

Cultural 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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.