allegiance

noun al·le·giance \ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s\

: loyalty to a person, country, group, etc.

Full Definition of ALLEGIANCE

a : the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord

b (1) : the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government (2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides

: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

— al·le·giant \-jənt\ adjective

See allegiance defined for English-language learners

See allegiance defined for kids

Origin of ALLEGIANCE

Middle English aligeaunce, from Anglo-French allegeance, alteration of ligeance, from lige liege

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ALLEGIANCE

Synonyms: adhesion, fidelity, attachment, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth

Antonyms: disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness

Synonym Discussion of ALLEGIANCE

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>. allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance>. fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow <fealty to the truth>. loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety>.