/ə'laɪəns; ə`laɪəns/
n
1 [U] action or state of being joined or associated 结合; 结盟
*States seek to become stronger through alliance. 各国力求通过结盟而更加强大.
2 [C] union or association formed for mutual benefit, esp between families (by marriage), countries or organizations 联姻; 联盟; 联合
*enter into/break off an alliance with a neighbouring state 与邻国结成[解除]联盟.
3 (idm 习语) in alliance (with sb/sth) united; joined together 与...联合; 与...结合
*We are working in alliance with our foreign partners. 我们与外国合伙人联合一道工作.

n[C]
an arrangement in which two or more countries, groups etc agree to work together to try to change or achieve something
alliance with
　Britain's military alliance with her NATO partners
alliance between
　the possibility of a political alliance between the two parties
make/enter into/form/forge an alliance
(=agree to work together)
　The companies have formed an alliance to market the product.
a group of two or more countries, groups etc who work together to achieve something
　independent organizations and alliances
in alliance (with sb/sth)
if two groups, countries etc are in alliance, they work together to achieve something or protect each another
　Relief workers in alliance with local charities are trying to help the famine victims.
formal a close relationship, especially a marriage, between people
→unholy allianceatunholy