align

The definition of align is to get a person, place, or thing put into a straight line.

(verb)

When a person goes to the chiropractor to have their spine straightened, the straightening is an example of align.

Align is to be put into the exact correct place, often in relation to something else.

(verb)

An example of align is when a newspaper is doing a layout, and they have the pictures precisely placed next to the text.

Align means to commit oneself to being either for or against an issue and/or group.

(verb)

An example of align is when a person donates money and votes strictly for the democratic party.

See align in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to bring into a straight line; adjust by line
to bring (parts or components, as the wheels of a car) into proper coordination
to bring into agreement, close cooperation, etc.: he aligned himself with the liberals

Origin: Fr aligner < a-, to + ligner < ligne, line

intransitive verb

to come or fall into line; line up

See align in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb a·ligned, a·lign·ing, a·ligns

verb, transitive

To arrange in a line or so as to be parallel: align the tops of a row of pictures; aligned the car with the curb.
To adjust (parts of a mechanism, for example) to produce a proper relationship or orientation: aligning the wheels of a truck.
To ally (oneself, for example) with one side of an argument or cause: aligned themselves with the free traders.

verb, intransitive