allies

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of ally.

   The nation strengthened ties with its longtime allies during the crisis.

   Small businesses found unexpected allies among local lawmakers.

   Note

   A plural that covers more ground than wartime partners. States bound by treaty are only one kind. The word also names people who support a group they do not belong to, species that share a common evolutionary origin, and, figuratively, anything that helps, as when patience and time are allies. Context decides the meaning: allies of the cause leans toward support, while its closest allies in a field guide leans toward kinship.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of ally.

   The party allies itself with smaller groups to build a working majority.

   When threatened, the smaller state allies with a stronger neighbor.

   Note

   The verb form that describes coalitions: a party allies itself with smaller groups, and a state allies with a neighbor. Both patterns are standard. One is reflexive, with itself or himself; the other uses plain with. Against names the opponent, as in allies itself against the incumbent. When the link is likeness rather than agreement, to also appears, often in the passive allied to. The same spelling serves the plural noun.

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