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; see origin at re-, approach, -ment

Explanation

Rapprochement is the reestablishment of a happy relationship or arrangement. A peace treaty between warring nations is a kind of rapprochement. People who usually get along sometimes come into conflict: formerly allied nations go to war, friends feud, and spouses divorce. If a conflict ends and the parties go back to being on good terms, they achieve rapprochement. This term is most often used in international politics — for example, when two countries make peace after a long war, that's rapprochement. The word means "reunion" or "reconciliation" in French, and its root is rapprocher, "to bring near."

Example Sentences

"Shooting down the planes made it impossible for Clinton to enter into any kind of rapprochement afterwards," he said.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

However, Spain's economy minister was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying that Sheinbaum's presence was "a very important and positive sign of a rapprochement between the two countries".

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Once a fierce campaigner for Taiwan's independence, Cheng Li-wun, 56, is now a strident supporter of closer ties with China and believes a rapprochement with Beijing is key to cross-strait peace.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

For many in the Gulf, the strikes have also underscored the enduring risks of their proximity to Iran, which was why Gulf states decided to try rapprochement in the first place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

But that rapprochement did not last long, and Ferula was quick to realize that she had been used.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

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