Fraternize


[frat-er-nahyz] /ˈfræt ərˌnaɪz/

verb (used without object), fraternized, fraternizing.
1.
to associate in a or friendly way.
2.
to associate cordially or intimately with natives of a conquered country, enemy troops, etc.
verb (used with object), fraternized, fraternizing.
3.
Archaic. to bring into association or sympathy.
/ˈfrætəˌnaɪz/
verb
1.
(intransitive) often foll by with. to associate on friendly terms
v.

1610s, “to sympathize as brothers,” from French fraterniser, from Medieval Latin fraternizare, from fraternus “brotherly” (see fraternity). Military sense of “cultivate friendship with enemy troops” is from 1897 (used in World War I with reference to the Christmas Truce). Used oddly by World War II armed forces to mean “have sex with women from enemy countries.”

A piece of frat, Wren-language for any attractive young woman — ex-enemy — in occupied territory. [John Irving, “Royal Navalese,” 1946]

Related: Fraternized; fraternizing.

verb

To associate closely with inhabitants of an enemy country, esp to consort sexually with the women (WWII armed forces)

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