bloc
/blɒk
/noun
A group of countries or political parties with common interests who have formed an alliance: the Soviet bloc a parliamentary bloc...
- Eighteen political parties and five electoral blocs are running.
- Arithmetically nothing's happened - five seats lost here, six gained there, but the great blocs of party power are still intact.
- The centre of gravity in Europe is shifting decisively east, to where new blocs and alliances are already forming.
Synonyms
alliance, association, coalition, federation, confederation, league, faction, union, partnership, body, group, grouping;
ring, syndicate;
concordat, entente, axis;
party, camp, lobby, wing, cabal, clique, coterie, caucus
Origin
Early 20th century: from French, literally 'block'.