Cobelligerent

/koʊbɪˈlɪdʒərənt/ noun

Definition

A country or group that fights alongside another against a common enemy, especially during war, but not formally allied.

Etymology

From 'co-' (together) and 'belligerent' (a warring party), from Latin 'bellum' (war). Used especially in diplomatic language to describe temporary military cooperation.

Kelly Says

During WWII, Britain and the Soviet Union became cobelligerents against Nazi Germany even though they barely trusted each other—the enemy-of-my-enemy principle overrode their rivalry for four crucial years!

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