Fraternization

/frætərnəˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The action of associating or bonding with others in a friendly way, especially across social or national divides.

Etymology

From 'fraternize' with the suffix '-ation,' forming an abstract noun. Became prominent in English military vocabulary during the World Wars.

Kelly Says

Allied soldiers literally discovered 'fraternization' when they occupied Germany after WWII—commanders worried that American troops socializing with German civilians would create sympathy and undermine occupation goals, so they issued strict non-fraternization orders.

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