rapprochement

[rap-rohsh-mahn, ra-prawsh-mahn]

noun

1. an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations.

   a rapprochement reached between warring factions.

   Synonyms: accommodation, understanding, reconciliation

rapprochement

/ raprɔʃmɑ̃ /

noun

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

rapprochement

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapprochement¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapprochement¹

C19: literally: bringing closer

Example Sentences

But the deterioration of ties with the U.S. before those words of rapprochement had stunned India.

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He wants to revive his ambition to broker a grand bargain in the Middle East, at the centre of which would be a rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

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"There is no prospect of a rapprochement with China - the rivalry will endure."

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The rapprochement between the countries comes in the backdrop of India's worsening bilateral relationship with the US.

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The summit may have failed to yield any tangible progress towards peace in Ukraine, but it cemented the rapprochement between Russia and the US.

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Related Words

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