fraternization means the act of fraternizing or uniting as brothers.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, fraternization ranks #3,483 of 14,448 for Funniest Words, #7,100 of 14,440 for Most Satisfying to Say, #7,127 of 14,431 for Most Betrayed by Its Sound, #7,143 of 14,322 for Scariest Words.
Why “fraternization” is a great word
Fraternization is the act of associating in a brotherly or friendly manner, especially when such association is considered improper or unprofessional, as between different military ranks or with a hostile party. From French *fraternisation*, from *fraterniser* ("to fraternize"), ultimately from Latin *fraternus* ("brotherly"), from *frater* ("brother"). Unlike camaraderie, which implies a general spirit of trust among a group, or collaboration, which denotes working toward a common goal, fraternization carries the specific taint of a rule broken for human warmth. It is the illicit clink of glasses between officer and enlisted man, the conspiratorial cigarette with a prisoner that blurs a necessary line, the quiet conversation that transforms an enemy into a person—a small, personal rebellion proving the heart is a perpetual saboteur of good order.
Etymology
From French fraternisation.
noun
- The act of fraternizing or uniting as brothers.
- Having a friendly relationship with the enemy.
- any type of disallowed, supposedly unethical and unprofessional, social or intimate contact between employees, especially between different gender, class or rank.
Words closest in meaning
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