fraternize

verb

frat·​er·​nize ˈfra-tər-ˌnīz 

fraternized; fraternizing

intransitive verb

1

: to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms

fraternized with the other guests at the party

2

a

: to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group especially when contrary to military orders

were ordered not to fraternize with the enemy

b

: to be friendly or amiable

fraternization

ˌfra-tər-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

fraternizer

ˈfra-tər-ˌnī-zər 

noun

Did you know?

O brother where art thou? In many an English word descended from the Latin noun frater, meaning “brother,” that’s where. Both fraternize and fraternal (meaning “of, relating to, or involving brothers”), for example, come to us by way of Medieval Latin from frater. Other frater progeny in English include friar and fraternity. Even brother itself shares a relationship with frater (albeit it a more distant one). These days, although fraternize can still apply to a brotherly association or simple friendliness, it is often used in phrases, such as “fraternizing with the enemy,” implying friendliness toward someone who would be better avoided.

Synonyms

• associate
• chum
• company
• consociate
• consort
• hang (around or out)
• hobnob
• hook up
• mess around
• pal (around)
• run
• sort
• travel

Examples of fraternize in a Sentence

It is usually unwise to fraternize with your employees.

don't fraternize just with people of the same race, religion, or social background

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, while their living quarters were segregated at their garrison headquarters on Grenada, Black soldiers still fraternized with white ones, especially in taverns. —Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Since her incarceration, Smith has faced disciplinary actions for multiple infractions, including drug use and fraternizing with guards, which may factor into the parole board's decision. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

The coalition commander, U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf, diligently tried to comply with the cultural values of his Saudi hosts by ordering his troops to refrain from consuming alcohol or viewing pornography, from holding public religious services, and from fraternizing with the locals. —Peter R. Mansoor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2011

The Vain founders spent time fraternizing around another monument, the glowing M of the local McDonald’s sign. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

fraternize

verb

frat·​er·​nize ˈfrat-ər-ˌnīz 

fraternized; fraternizing

: to associate as friends

fraternization

ˌfrat-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

fraternizer

ˈfrat-ər-ˌnī-zər 

noun