Definition

Verb: - To unite or combine efforts, resources, or personnel with another person or group to work toward a common goal or objective. It implies a collaborative partnership formed to increase effectiveness or achieve a shared aim.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of two or more parties coming together in cooperation. It is often used in contexts involving teamwork, alliances, partnerships, or collaborative projects. - It is typically followed by "with" to specify the other party: join forces with [someone/something]. - It can also be used without "with" when the context makes the collaborating parties clear.

Examples

• The two charities decided to join forces to provide more comprehensive aid to the region.
• To compete with the larger company, the small startups joined forces.
• We should join forces with the marketing department for this campaign.

Advanced Usage

• Strategic Alliance: Often used in business, military, or political contexts to describe a formal or informal coalition.
• Implied Unity of Purpose: The phrase emphasizes that the collaboration is purposeful and directed toward a specific, shared outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Collaborate (verb): To work jointly on an activity or project.
• Team up (phrasal verb): To form a team or partnership (often slightly less formal than "join forces").
• Unite (verb): To come or bring together for a common purpose or action.
• Cooperate (verb): To work or act together toward a common end.
• Pool resources (verb phrase): To combine available assets, such as money or skills.

Synonyms

• Collaborate
• Cooperate
• Unite
• Team up
• Work together
• Form an alliance
• Band together

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Team up: Similar in meaning, but can imply forming a single team rather than a coalition of groups.
• Link up: To connect or establish a connection, which can lead to joining forces.

Related Idioms

• Put our/your/their heads together: To collaborate in thinking about or discussing a problem.
• In league with: Involved in a secret partnership or alliance, often for a dubious purpose.

Verb

1. work together on a common enterprise of project
   • The soprano and the pianist did not get together very well
   • We joined forces with another research group