— alliable , adj.
v. /euh luy"/ ; n. /al"uy, euh luy"/ , v. , allied, allying , n. , pl. allies .
v.t.
1. to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually fol. by with or to ): Russia allied itself to France.
2. to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.
v.i.
3. to enter into an alliance; join; unite.
n.
4. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose: Canada and the United States were allies in World War II.
5. Biol. a plant, animal, or other organism bearing an evolutionary relationship to another, often as a member of the same family: The squash is an ally of the watermelon.
6. a person who associates or cooperates with another; supporter.
[ 1250-1300; ME alien al ( l ) ier, aillaier, OF alier alligare to bind to. See ALLOY ]
Syn. 1. unify, join, combine, wed. 4. partner, confederate. 6. friend, aide, accomplice, accessory, assistant, abettor; colleague, coadjutor, auxiliary, helper.
Ant. 4, 6. enemy, foe, adversary.