entente

/ɑnˈtɑnt/

/ɒnˈtɒnt/

Other forms: ententes

When two countries agree to help each other out in the event of a war or other crisis, that's an entente.

The political term entente derives from the French éntente, or "understanding." Nations reach an entente when they come to an informal understanding that they'll join forces if necessary. This usually happens when the threat of war is looming. Even though ententes aren't formal treaties, they're usually enough to prevent a more powerful state from starting a war against the cooperating countries.

Definitions of entente

1. noun

   an informal alliance between countries
   synonyms: entente cordiale

   type of:

   alignment, alinement, alliance, coalition

   an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty
2. noun

   a friendly understanding between political powers
   synonyms: entente cordiale

   type of:

   agreement, understanding

   the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises