treachery

[trech-uh-ree]

noun

plural

treacheries 

1. violation of faith; betrayal of trust; treason.

   Antonyms: loyalty

2. an act of perfidy, faithlessness, or treason.

treachery

/ ˈtrɛtʃərɪ /

noun

1. the act or an instance of wilful betrayal

2. the disposition to betray

Word History and Origins

Origin of treachery¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English trecherie, from Middle French, Old French, from trech(ier) “to deceive” ( trick ) + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of treachery¹

C13: from Old French trecherie , from trechier to cheat; compare _trick

Synonym Study

See disloyalty.

Example Sentences

Its supporters accuse him of treachery, while he accuses the government of flip-flopping and delivering just a third of its manifesto promises after five years.

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"So many boxers and fighters get caught up in the treachery of the people that are in the industry," he says, describing the sport as "shady".

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The war has been rife with accusations of treachery from the very beginning.

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Roundtables are full of treachery, tears and... shocking spelling.

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No longer mere debates, these ideals have been dragged into the public square, put on trial, accused of treachery and of fracturing the nation's unity.

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Related Words

• betrayal 
• infidelity 
• treason