əˈlaɪ.əns koʊəˈlɪʃən kənfɛdəˈɹeɪʃən the act of forming an alliance or confederation a formal agreement establishing an association or alliance between nations or other groups to achieve a particular aim an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty a connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest the shifting alliances within a large family their friendship constitutes a powerful bond between them the state of being allied or confederated