Definition
1. To associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms
2a. To associate on close terms with members of a hostile group especially when contrary to military orders
2b. To be friendly or amiable.
(Ref: Merriam-Webster Online, Word of the day, 23 June 2020)
Use it in a sentence
Nicholas’s boss took him by the shoulders and stared at him. Before she could say anything, Nicholas frowned at her, look pointedly at her hands, and then frowned at her again. ‘This is classed as harassment, you know that don’t you.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. No hands, sorry.’ Debra quickly removed them. ‘I forget’
‘You always forget,’ Nicholas said drily.
‘Anyway! I’ve got a task for you. An interesting one. But it’s a bit dangerous.’
‘Oh yeah?’ Nicholas crossed his arms, but he was curious.
Debra lowered her voice and stared at him intently. ‘I need to you fraternize with the enemy.’
He stared at her blankly. ‘What enemy?’
‘The Happy Pig! Ever since he moved in down the road, he’s taken at least 40% of my business. I want to know why, I want to know how!’
‘So… what do you want me to do?’
‘They’re advertising for a part-time butcher. I want you to apply for the job.’
Nicholas was confused. ‘And then?’
‘And then quit after two weeks and report back to me. Where are they getting their pigs from? What are they selling in there?’ Debra leaned in, ‘Find out what’s in those sausages.’
‘That’s not fraternizing, that’s spying.’
‘Whatever. Will you do it?’
Nicholas narrowed his eyes at her. ‘What if they don’t give me the job?’
‘Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.’
‘Will you keep paying me too?’
‘That’s extortion!’
‘You said it yourself, it’s a dangerous game. I don’t want to get caught with a cleaver between my shoulder blades.’
‘Oh, don’t be so ridiculous. It’s not that dangerous.’
He shrugged. ‘That’s the deal, take it or leave it.’
Debra wrung her hands, and then threw them in the air. ‘You’re a shit Nicholas.’
He smiled and removed his apron. He was done for the day. He had an application to put together.