ally

al|ly¹ W3 [ˈælaı US ˈælaı, əˈlaı] n plural allies

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.

ally ²

al|ly² [əˈlaı US əˈlaı,ˈælaı] v past tense and past participle allied present participle allying third person singular allies

[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: alier, from Latin alligare, from ad- 'to' + ligare 'to tie']

[T always +adverb/preposition]

to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreement

ally yourself to/with sb

▪ Some of the northern cities allied themselves with the emperor.

→↑allied