1. (

• alliance ,
• confederation

) the state of being allied or confederated ;

2. (

• alliance ,
• bond

) 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" ;

3. (

• alliance ,
• coalition ,
• alignment ,
• alinement

) an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty ;

4. (

• alliance

) a formal agreement establishing an association or alliance between nations or other groups to achieve a particular aim ;

5. (

• confederation ,
• alliance

) the act of forming an alliance or confederation ;