I. al ‧ ly 1 /ˈælaɪ $ ˈælaɪ, əˈlaɪ/ BrE AmE noun ( plural allies ) [countable]
1 . a country that agrees to help or support another country in a war:
a meeting of the European allies
2 . the Allies the group of countries including Britain and the US that fought together in the First and Second World Wars
3 . someone who helps and supports you when other people are trying to oppose you:
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.
a staunch ally (=very close ally) of President Soares
a network of political allies
She knew she had found an ally in Ted.
4 . something that helps you succeed in a difficult situation:
Exercise is an important ally in your campaign to lose weight.
II. al ‧ ly 2 /əˈlaɪ $ əˈlaɪ,ˈælaɪ/ BrE AmE verb ( past tense and past participle allied , present participle allying , third person singular allies )
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: alier , from Latin alligare , from ad- 'to' + ligare 'to tie' ]
[transitive always +adverb/preposition] to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreement
ally yourself to/with somebody
Some of the northern cities allied themselves with the emperor.
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