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."
"Suddenly, in the midst of high-camp treachery and sleuthery, each character does a star turn, breaking out in song."
— Joan Dupont, MOVIE GUIDE : 8 Femmes (2002)
How to use treachery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreachery is betraying someone's trust, especially in a serious, calculated way.
Common pairings
an act of treachery
accuse someone of treachery
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Word forms
- Plural
- treacheries
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The general was executed for _____ after secretly aiding the enemy.
Etymology
From Old French tricherie, "cheating" — the same root as "trick."
Synonyms
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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.
