ally

1.

/ˈælaɪ/

a friendly nation

2.

/əˈlaɪ/

become an associate, as by a treaty or marriage

Other forms: allies; allied; Allies; allying

If you have an ally, you have someone who is on your side, like a more experienced teammate who is your ally in convincing the coach to give you more playing time.

Ally comes from the Latin word alligare, meaning "to bind to," like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another. You can also use ally as a verb, meaning "join forces with." For example, you might ally yourself with influential people to advance your career. As a noun, pronounce ally like this: "AL-eye." As a verb, it's "uh-LIE."

Definitions of ally (/ˈælaɪ/)

1. noun

   a friendly nation
   type of:

   body politic, commonwealth, country, land, nation, res publica, state

   a politically organized body of people under a single government
2. noun

   an associate who provides cooperation or assistance
   “he's a good ally in fight”

   synonyms: friend

   types:

   blood brother

   a male sworn (usually by a ceremony involving the mingling of blood) to treat another as his brother

   type of:

   associate

   a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor