rapprochement

Advancedzipf 2.62

Pronunciation

/ræˈprɒʃmɒ̃/(ra-PROSH-mon)

Part of speech

nounformal

Chinese

和解；（关系的）恢复

Definition

An establishment or resumption of harmonious relations, especially between countries.

Word family

  • (no common derivatives)

Collocations

  • diplomatic rapprochement
  • seek rapprochement
  • rapprochement between
  • period of rapprochement

Examples

  1. 1.Nixon's visit to China in 1972 marked a historic rapprochement between the two superpowers. (restoration of friendly relations)
  2. 2.After years of silence, the brothers finally achieved a rapprochement at their father's funeral. (reconciliation)

Synonyms

  • reconciliation/ˌrɛkənsɪliˈeɪʃən/— restoration of friendship
  • détente/deɪˈtɒnt/— easing of tension, especially political
  • accord/əˈkɔːd/— agreement, harmony

Etymology

from French "rapprochement" — "rapprocher" = to bring together — re- (again) + approcher (to approach) — coming close together again