Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Nations or groups united by a formal agreement for mutual support, especially in war: "allies" refers to countries, states, or organized groups that have formed an alliance, typically a military or political one, to cooperate against a common enemy or for a common purpose.
   • The specific coalition of nations opposing the Central Powers in World War I: Historically, "the Allies" (often capitalized) denotes the alliance led by France, Britain, Russia, Italy, and later the United States during World War I.
   • The specific coalition of nations opposing the Axis powers in World War II: Historically, "the Allies" (often capitalized) denotes the alliance led by Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and other nations during World War II.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The two countries became strong allies after signing the mutual defense treaty.
  • During the war, the allies shared intelligence and resources.
  • The Allies faced tremendous challenges during the early years of World War II.
  • Seeking allies is crucial for a small nation's security.

Advanced Usage

• "to have allies in high places": to have supporters or friends who are in positions of power or influence.
  • The reformer succeeded because he had allies in high places within the government.

Variants and Related Words

• Ally (singular noun): A single nation, state, or person that cooperates with another.
  • France is a key ally.
• Ally (verb): To combine or unite a resource or oneself with another for a common purpose.
  • The two companies allied to develop new technology.
• Alliance (noun): The formal agreement or union that creates allies.
  • The nations formed a defensive alliance.

Synonyms

• Confederates: Persons, states, or nations united in a league or alliance.
• Coalition partners: Members of a temporary alliance for combined action.
• Associates: Persons or organizations joined with another in a common purpose.

Related Phrases

• To rally one's allies: To gather one's supporters for action.
  • The leader sought to rally her allies before the crucial vote.
• Fellow allies: A term emphasizing the shared membership in an alliance.
  • The ambassador consulted with her fellow allies on the response.

Related Idioms

• A friend in need is a friend indeed: This proverb relates to the concept of allies, as true allies prove themselves in difficult times.
  • When our economy collapsed, our allies provided aid. It's true, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Noun

1. an alliance of nations joining together to fight a common enemy
2. in World War I the alliance of Great Britain and France and Russia and all the other nations that became allied with them in opposing the Central Powers
3. the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945