rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryblocUnited group
noun

bloc

BLAHK/blɑːk/

A group united to act toward a common goal.

The three parties form a voting bloc to oppose the proposal.

Three varied delegates seated together raise matching voting paddles in agreement opposite a separate delegate; coordinated political grouping, no party emblems.
Etymology
blocFrenchgroup, block

French bloc connects a group with a solid block. In the political sense, the image is of separate people or nations forming one unit and acting together.

In context

Historia Civilis11:33
a bloc had to have at least 5 people in it in order to vote.
Roman Elections

More examples

  • The trade bloc negotiated a common policy.
  • Several regional blocs competed for influence.
  • The delegates acted as a united bloc.

Forms

bloc · blocs

Similar words

coalition
An alliance that may be more temporary or loosely organized.
faction
A subgroup within a larger body, often in internal conflict.