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Treacherous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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treacherous

[ˈtrɛtʃ(ə)rəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in describing a situation or person

dangerous or hazardous; characterized by deceit or betrayal; not to be trusted

Synonyms

dangerous, deceitful, untrustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treacherous

Use this word to describe situations, conditions, or people that are hazardous or pose hidden dangers. It can also describe someone who betrays trust.

  • The mountain path was treacherous after the rain.
  • He proved to be a treacherous friend, revealing my secrets to everyone.
dangerous

This word is used to describe something that poses an immediate risk of harm or injury.

  • Handling chemicals without proper protection is dangerous.
  • The neighborhood becomes dangerous at night.
deceitful

Describing someone who frequently lies or deceives others. This term has a strong negative connotation.

  • Her deceitful behavior caused a lot of trouble in the office.
  • The salesman used deceitful tactics to convince us to buy the car.
untrustworthy

Used to describe a person who cannot be relied upon to be honest or truthful. It has a negative connotation.

  • He has proven to be untrustworthy after breaking so many promises.
  • You should be careful around her; she's quite untrustworthy.

Examples of usage

  • The treacherous mountain path required experienced climbers.
  • She discovered his treacherous nature when he double-crossed her in the business deal.
Context #2 | Adjective

in describing weather conditions

showing a lack of stability or predictability; likely to change suddenly or unexpectedly

Synonyms

unpredictable, unstable, volatile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treacherous

Used to describe something that is dangerously unstable or deceitful. Often used for natural conditions or people who betray trust.

  • The mountain path became treacherous after the rain.
  • He was fired for his treacherous actions against the company.
unpredictable

Used to describe something that cannot be predicted or is inconsistent. Can refer to people, weather, or events that change without warning.

  • Her moods are so unpredictable; you never know how she'll react.
  • The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.
unstable

Refers to something or someone that lacks stability, whether physically, emotionally, or structurally. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The chair is unstable and could break at any moment.
  • His mental state has been unstable since the accident.
volatile

Describes something that is likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially in a negative way. Often used for markets, chemicals, or tempers.

  • The stock market has been extremely volatile this year.
  • He has a volatile temper that can be triggered by the smallest things.

Examples of usage

  • The weather forecast warned of treacherous icy roads ahead.
  • The treacherous storm clouds indicated a potential tornado.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'treacherous'

The word 'treacherous' originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word 'trecheros', meaning deceptive or untrustworthy. It is derived from the Latin 'treacheria', which has a similar meaning. Over time, 'treacherous' has evolved to encompass situations or individuals who pose a danger or cannot be relied upon. The term is commonly used in various contexts to convey a sense of caution or warning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,206, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.