alliance (
http://definr.com/alliance)
n 1: the state of being allied or confederated [syn:
confederation]
2: a connection based on kinship or marriage or common
interest: "the shifting alliances within a large family";
"their friendship constitutes a powerful bond between
them" [syn:
bond]
3: an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact
or treaty [syn:
coalition,
alignment,
alinement]
[ant:
nonalignment]
4: a formal agreement establishing an association or alliance
between nations or other groups to achieve a particular
aim
5: the act of forming an alliance or confederation [syn:
confederation]