treachery
TRECH-uh-ree
/ˈtrɛtʃəri/
Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.
Treachery often implies a personal betrayal or a violation of a close, trusting relationship.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'trecherie', which meant 'deceit' or 'guile'. Like treason, it ultimately stems from the idea of 'handing over' something that should have been kept safe.
Word relationships
- perfidy: Perfidy is more formal and literary; treachery is more common in general storytelling.
- faithfulness: Faithfulness is the steadfast loyalty that treachery destroys.
Commonly confused with
- treason: Treason is a crime against the state; treachery is a betrayal of trust (often personal).
Word family
- treacherous (adjective): Guilty of or involving betrayal or deception.
Collocations
- act of treachery
- utter treachery
- foul treachery
Example sentences
- "He was devastated by the treachery of his closest friend, who had sold his secrets to the rival firm." Describing a character's betrayal in a novel.
Memory hook
Treachery is like a 'Treacherous-Journey' where your guide leaves you in the middle of the woods. A stab in the back.
When not to use
While related to treason, it is more often used for interpersonal or moral betrayals rather than legal ones.
Fun facts
- In Dante's 'Inferno', the lowest circle of Hell is reserved for those who committed treachery against their benefactors.
Explore more words
treacherous, betray, perfidy, perfidious, backstab, double-cross
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