English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

treachery

TREHT-shuh-ree

Treachery (noun) means a deliberate betrayal of trust or loyalty. Example: “The general was executed for treachery after secretly aiding the enemy.”

noun
1
A deliberate betrayal of trust or loyalty.
"The general was executed for treachery after secretly aiding the enemy."
"She never forgave him for the treachery of that affair."

How to Use Treachery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTreachery is betraying someone's trust, especially in a serious, calculated way.

Common pairings
an act of treachery accuse someone of treachery

Word Forms

treacheries plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “treachery” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The general was executed for _____ after secretly aiding the enemy.

Etymology

From Old French tricherie, "cheating" — the same root as "trick."

Origin: Old French

treason betrayal perfidy perfidiousness

Related Words

Rhymes for treachery

See all rhymes for treachery →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “treachery” mean?

The word “treachery” means a deliberate betrayal of trust or loyalty. In plain terms, treachery is betraying someone's trust, especially in a serious, calculated way.

How do you pronounce “treachery”?

“Treachery” is pronounced TREHT-shuh-ree (/ˈtɹɛt͡ʃəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “treachery” in a sentence?

Here is “treachery” used in a sentence: “The general was executed for treachery after secretly aiding the enemy.”

What part of speech is “treachery”?

“Treachery” is a noun.

Where does the word “treachery” come from?

The word “treachery” comes from Old French. From Old French tricherie, "cheating" — the same root as "trick.".

Is “treachery” a common word?

“Treachery” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial