rapprochement

[ rap-rohsh-mahn; French 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

There was another more personal reason for Putin’s reluctance to abandon the rapprochement with the West.

From Time

A rapprochement with the West is not Putin’s policy, it is the policy of Russia.

From Time

A Cuba-U.S. rapprochement will make it increasingly hard for his government to blame the U.S. for its economic problems.

From The Daily Beast

The Brazilian press said the White House informed Brasilia about the rapprochement minutes before the statement was made public.

From The Daily Beast

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Most Latin Americans celebrated the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba.

From The Daily Beast

This rapprochement was The Birth of a Nation that Griffith evoked when he changed the name of his movie from The Clansman.

From The Daily Beast

There was even a rapprochement between him and his father before his death.

From The Daily Beast

And, in effect, his example did serve to promote a rapprochement between the conquerors and the conquered.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, I remembered that hostility to Archie certainly had resulted in a rapprochement between ourselves.

From Project Gutenberg

A rapprochement between Orangemen and Nationalists would be difficult.

From Project Gutenberg

Of late a rapprochement between the intellectual and trade unionist has begun to take place.

From Project Gutenberg

Not till the Bill was nearly through Committee was there any sign of rapprochement.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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