The word 联盟 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core idea that merges into a single, unified concept. The first character, 联 (lián), carries the essential meaning of "connecting", "uniting", or "joining together". It is paired with 盟 (méng), which fundamentally represents a "pledge", "oath", or a solemn pact. Therefore, the compound naturally fuses the notion of forming a union with the binding, formal nature of a sworn pact, directly and intuitively creating the meaning of "alliance" or "league".