I. əˈlī, aˈlī, ˈaˌlī; ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ is most freq for the form “allied” — see allied verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English allien, from Old French alier, from Latin alligare to bind to, from ad- + ligare to bind — more at ligature
transitive verb
1. : to unite or form a connection between (as one family and another by marriage or two or more states by treaty) : join in association or alliance — usually used with with or to
has allied herself to the West to attain certain economic aspirations — New Republic
were so closely allied by prewar economic agreements — Alan Valentine
the powerful family with which he had allied himself by marriage
2. : to connect or form a relation between (as by likeness, resemblance, or compatibility) : associate , relate — usually used with with or to
the song of the kinglet is the only characteristic that allies it to the wrens — John Burroughs
fear is an unbecoming affliction, allied to boasting — Herbert Agar
functions which are complementary and closely allied
sentiments are allied to the desire to achieve new goals — George Wythe
intransitive verb
: to form or enter into an alliance
a completely independent country free to choose with whom she would ally
persuade the nation to ally with the other democracies
he again allied with his friends — S.L.Marshall
II. ˈaˌlī, əˈlī, aˈlī; ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ is much more freq than ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ for the pl & somewhat more freq than ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ for the sing noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English allie, from allien, v.
1.
a. obsolete : kinsman , relative
b. : a plant or animal linked to another by natural genetic or evolutionary relationship
the honey bees and allies as well as the more distantly related ants
ferns and their allies
2.
a. : one usually a sovereign or state united, banded, or associated with another in a common cause or by treaty or league
the duke and his allies
an eastern empire with strong western allies
: one of the subjects or citizens so united
b. allies plural , usually capitalized : the nations allied against the Central Powers in World War I or against the Axis in World War II
3. : someone or something associated with another as a helper : auxiliary , supporter
let the teacher appear always the ally of the pupil, not his natural enemy — Bertrand Russell
gained an ally in organized labor — D.E.Clark
time is at once the enemy and the ally of life — F.B.Millett
III.
variant of alley