fraternize
fraternize Lexical Profile
fraternize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To associate or form friendships with someone, especially when one is not supposed to do so due to professional, social, or institutional rules.
"Company policy strictly discourages senior managers from fraternizing with interns outside of the office."
To enter into friendly or intimate relations with an enemy or occupying force, especially in violation of military law or civic loyalty.
"During the post-war inquiry, several local officials were accused of having fraternized with the occupying authorities."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although originally meaning to associate in a brotherly manner, in modern usage 'fraternize' frequently carries a disapproving connotation of socializing with people one is officially or socially expected to remain separate from, such as workplace subordinates or opposing factions.
• Rhymes for fraternize
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French fraterniser, from Medieval Latin fraternizare, ultimately derived from Latin frater ('brother').