lend-lease act

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • Historical U.S. legislation: The "Lend-Lease Act" was a law passed by the United States Congress in 1941 during World War II. It authorized the President to transfer defense materials, such as weapons, vehicles, and supplies, to nations whose defense was deemed vital to U.S. security, without immediate payment. The term "lend-lease" combines "lend" (to give temporarily) and "lease" (to rent), reflecting the legal fiction that the aid was to be returned or paid for later.
Usage Examples
  • (The law enabled military aid to an ally.)
  • (The legislation facilitated massive wartime assistance.)
  • (The law represented a key policy change.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Lend-lease agreement": A specific contract or arrangement made under the authority of the Lend-Lease Act.

    • The lend-lease agreement with the Soviet Union included tanks and food supplies. (A particular deal for military and material assistance.)

  • "Lend-lease program": The overall system of aid established by the act.

    • The lend-lease program continued through the end of the war. (The entire initiative of providing resources.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Lend-lease (n, adj): The shortened form referring to the act or the system of aid.
    • Lend-lease supplies were crucial for the Allied victory. (The materials provided under the act.)
    • The lend-lease policy strengthened international alliances. (The policy itself.)
Synonyms
  • Aid program: A system of providing assistance.
  • Military assistance act: A law granting defense support.
Related Idioms
  • "Lend a hand": To offer help (idiom, not directly related but shares the concept of assistance).
    • The U.S. decided to lend a hand to its allies through the Lend-Lease Act. (To provide support.)