treachery

[ trech-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural treach·er·ies.

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

Those hoping for more of the same will be sorely disappointed this time around, as any hint of sexiness has been crushed beneath a surplus of gobbledygook dialogue and tame suspense about ancient legends, prophesies and treachery.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, the core message of treachery summoning a righteous vengeance has not been lost even if our recollection is imperfect and even if Americans have to be reminded annually of what the word actually means.

From Time

When it was time for Tripp to commit the ultimate treachery, Burgess had trouble emotionally wrapping her mind around the idea.

From Washington Post

His treachery, however, had been skillfully concealed for years.

From The Daily Beast

Before they grabbed Yousef, only one other spy was known to have performed such high-level treachery for Israel.

From The Daily Beast

Through its wrenching, eventually exhausting series of betrayals, Game of Thrones asks, “Is treachery unavoidable?”

From The Daily Beast

There is a short fuse and a certain explosion at the end of this piece of treachery.

From The Daily Beast

Immediately, the hardline settlers were quick to accuse their own elected officials of all sorts of treachery.

From The Daily Beast

Her eyes, for a moment, fixed themselves with a horrid conviction of a wide and nameless treachery.

From Project Gutenberg

A hundred more had been taken during the night fighting, but there was treachery and some of those were killed.

From Project Gutenberg

And if we did that, they would employ their usual treachery and evil methods, as they generally do.

From Project Gutenberg

Lead on,” said Frank, sternly, “and remember that I shall not hesitate to strike at the first sign of treachery.

From Project Gutenberg

As for Lyndaraxa, her repeated and unparalleled treachery can only be justified by the extreme imbecility of her lovers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• betrayal
• infidelity
• treason