Meaning & Definition of word "Treachery"

Treachery

/ˈtrɛtʃ.ər.i/

noun:

  • 1. The betrayal of trust; an act of deliberate betrayal or deception.
    • Example: His treachery was revealed when he leaked sensitive information to the enemy.
  • 2. Deceitful or untrustworthy behavior.
    • Example: The treachery of his closest allies left him isolated and vulnerable.
  • 3. A violation of allegiance or faithfulness.
    • Example: The history books are filled with stories of treachery during times of war.
  • 4. A specific act of treachery or betrayal.
    • Example: The treachery he committed against his family was unforgivable.

Etymology

Middle English trecherie, from Old French trecherie, from trecher 'to betray'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

acts of treachery:

deeds that involve betrayal or disloyalty.

a treacherous heart:

a person who is deceitful and untrustworthy.

treachery in politics:

betrayal or dishonest behavior within political contexts.

Related Words

traitor:

A person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.

perfidy:

Deceitfulness; untrustworthiness.

duplicitous:

Deceitful, especially by pretending one set of feelings and acting under the influence of another.

Slang Meanings of treachery

Meaning: Backstabbing

Example Sentence: He's known for backstabbing his colleagues to get ahead.

Meaning: Two-faced

Example Sentence: I can't believe she's being two-faced after everything we've been through.