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Other Words From
- nonal·legiance noun
- over·al·legiance noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of allegiance1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of allegiance1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
They were meant, she says, to be “a public display of your allegiance.”
Weaned on the good stuff, they’re adventurous in their tastes and fickle in their allegiance.
When Rory spills out of Logan’s limo o’ dudes, champagne drunk and dripping with diamonds, she’s officially transferred her allegiances over to the elder Gilmore world, and Lorelai knows it.
More than half the athletes racing were in Nike spikes—their allegiance visible from the stands thanks to the neon yellow of their shoes.
The law has scrambled typical political allegiances, with law enforcement groups and some Democrats on one side, and Republicans and a handful of Democrats on the other.
“It is our Islamic obligation to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and give it our Islamic fealty,” he said.
The capital of Chechnya, Grozny, was attacked Thursday by insurgents who may have sworn allegiance to ISIS.
It is likely that Baghdadi has officially gained the allegiance of a number of fighters.
Indeed, the group highlighted the oaths of allegiance in today's beheading video.
Their “consistently liberal” corollaries split their allegiance among CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and The New York Times.
The rebel Planner had fallen from his allegiance, and was making his terms with the enemy.
Yet it seems all but certain that he was in Edward's allegiance within three weeks before the battle.
A citizen of the United States who resides in a state owes a double allegiance, and can demand protection from each government.
Citizen-ship implies the duty of allegiance to the government, and the right of protection from it.
Instinct had prompted her to put away her husband's bounty in casting off her allegiance.
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Related Words
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More About Allegiance
What does allegiance mean?
Allegiance is loyalty or faithfulness, especially to a person or cause.
Allegiance usually refers to a loyalty that is considered extremely important, such as to a country or leader.
If you went to school in the United States, you’re familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance, which is an oath of loyalty to the country recited by schoolchildren and at patriotic ceremonies. This type of formal loyalty is what’s implied by allegiance.
The adjective form of allegiance is allegiant.
Example: Her supporters’ allegiance never lessened, even in the aftermath of the scandal.
Where does allegiance come from?
The first records of the word allegiance come from the 1300s. It comes from the French root lige, meaning “liege,” a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service. The word originally referred to such loyalty—that owed to a king or lord. Later, it came to mean a person’s duty to their government.
Now that all-powerful monarchs aren’t quite as popular as they were in the Middle Ages, allegiance is used in different contexts. Still, it usually applies to relationships considered important to someone’s identity. A person may show allegiance to their home country after moving away. A president’s advisers may show allegiance by remaining loyal no matter what. Ultra-devoted fans could even describe themselves as having allegiance, such as to a sports team or a pop star. In just about every instance, people who show allegiance are pledging their loyalty to someone more powerful or something bigger than themselves.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms of allegiance?
- allegiant (adjective)
- nonallegiance (noun)
What are some synonyms for allegiance?
What are some words that share a root or word element with allegiance?
What are some words that often get used in discussing allegiance?
How is allegiance used in real life?
Having allegiance means you are all in on loyalty, so the word is usually used to refer to serious faithfulness to someone or something.
Resolved, That we the citizens of Mecklenburg County, do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the Mother Country, and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown
First in Freedom.
Happy Meck Dec Day 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aKDtUMhPdj— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 20, 2020
In 1965, there were Indonesians living all around the world. Yarna Mansur and Gde Arka were studying in Moscow. When Suharto took over, they didn't want to declare allegiance to the new dictator. So like thousands of others, they lost their citizenship, and were stranded abroad. pic.twitter.com/CbZyPN80fd
— Vincent Bevins (@Vinncent) May 25, 2020
Fantasy Football: testing fans' allegiance to their favorite team since it's creation.
— Lou Malnati's Pizza (@LouMalnatis) September 8, 2011
Try using allegiance!
True or False?
Allegiance usually refers to loyalty that is casual or could change.
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