rally

1 verb rallied, rallying

1 (I, T) to come together or bring people together to support an idea, a political party etc: Margaret Thatcher's speech had the effect of rallying the party faithful.

(+ to): Fellow Republicans rallied to the President's defense. | rallying point (=an idea, event etc that makes people come together to support something they believe in): The demonstration was a rallying point for students fighting for lower rents. | rallying cry (=a word or phrase used to unite people insupport of an idea)

2 (I) to become stronger again after a period of weakness or defeat: Towards the end of the race, Cram rallied and won in style. | Stock prices rallied this afternoon after earlier falls.

rally round phrasal verb (I, T) informal if a group of people rally round, they all try to help you in a difficult situation: Her friends all rallied round when she was ill. 2 noun (C)

1 a large public meeting, especially one that is held outdoors to support a political idea, protest etc: a big anti-abortion rally

2 a car race on public roads: the Monte Carlo Rally

3 a series of hits of the ball between players in games like tennis