allyship

English

Etymology

ally +‎ -ship

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈælaɪˈʃɪp/

Noun

allyship (countable and uncountable, plural allyships)

1. The role or status of being an ally.

   Synonym: allyhood

   • 2021 September 8, “Network News: "Women in..." event to collaborate on best practice in gender diversity”, in RAIL, number 939, page 12:

     Expert panels will discuss their thoughts on allyship, intersectional considerations, mental health and wellbeing, and engagement with the next generation.

Usage notes

Often interchangeable with one of the senses of alliance, but sometimes preferred when the emphasis is on the choice to ally and what qualities drive the choice, whereas alliance can seem connotatively neutral and has another sense denoting an instance of being allied (without much emphasis on why).