ral·ly
1 (răĺē)
[French rallier, from Old French ralier, re-, re-, + alier, to unite, ally; see ally.]
verb: -lied, -ly·ing, -lies.
transitive verb
- To call together for a common purpose; assemble: rally troops at a parade ground.
- To reassemble and restore to order: rally scattered forces.
- To rouse or revive from inactivity or decline: paused to refresh themselves and rally their strength.
intransitive verb
- To come together for a common purpose.
- To join in an effort for a common cause: “In the terror and confusion of change, society rallied round the kings” (Garrett Mattingly)
- To recover abruptly from a setback or disadvantage: The stock market declined, then rallied. The home team rallied in the ninth inning to win the game.
- To show sudden improvement in health or spirits.
- Sports To exchange several strokes before a point is won, as in tennis.
noun: pl., -lies.
- A gathering, especially one intended to inspire enthusiasm for a cause: a political rally.
- A reassembling, as of dispersed troops.
- The signal ordering this reassembly.
- An abrupt recovery from a setback or disadvantage.
- A sharp improvement in health, vigor, or spirits.
- A notable rise in stock market prices and trading volume after a decline.
- Sports
- An exchange of strokes in a court game such as tennis or volleyball, ending when one side fails to make a good return and resulting in a point or the loss of service.
- A competition in which automobiles are driven over public roads and under normal traffic regulations but with specified rules as to speed, time, and route.
ral·ly
2 (răĺē)
[French railler, from Old French, to tease; see rail3.]
verb: -lied, -ly·ing, -lies.
transitive verb
- To tease good-humoredly; banter.
intransitive verb
- To engage in good-humored teasing or jesting.