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

It appeared the “coastal ex” and I were indeed having a rapprochement.

From Los Angeles Times

EMBR3 4.87%increase; green up pointing triangle is being hit hard by tariffs, but the company hopes that a rapprochement between the two countries could lead to an exception for its products.

From The Wall Street Journal

When I mention a rapprochement, my husband has an almost animal reaction, a near physical panic.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From BBC

Related Words

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