Treachery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
treachery
[หtrษtสษri ]
Definitions
act of betrayal
Treachery refers to the act of betraying someone's trust or confidence, especially by being disloyal or deceitful. It involves breaking a promise or going against someone who trusted you.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| treachery |
Use in serious situations involving grave acts of betrayal, particularly with a sense of danger or harm. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
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| betrayal |
Appropriate for describing acts where trust or loyalty is broken, often causing emotional or psychological harm.
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| deceit |
Best used when referring to actions involving lying, trickery, or fraud. It implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or deceive.
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| disloyalty |
Use in scenarios where there's a failure to maintain loyalty to a person, group, or cause, often implying a breach of trust.
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Examples of usage
- He was shocked by the treachery of his supposed friend.
- The treachery of the spy led to disastrous consequences for the country.
- She felt deeply hurt by the treachery of her colleague.
act of treason
Treachery can also refer to the act of committing treason or disloyalty against one's country or ruler. It involves actions that are considered traitorous or seditious.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| treachery |
This entry seems to be a duplicate mistake. Refer to the earlier definition. |
| treason |
This word refers to the crime of betraying oneโs country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government. It is a serious charge with severe legal consequences.
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| betrayal |
This word is common in everyday language, used to describe the act of being disloyal, typically in a personal relationship or friendship.
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| sedition |
This word is used to describe conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. It is mostly used in legal or political contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The general was executed for his treachery against the king.
- The group was accused of treachery for plotting against the government.
- The act of treachery shook the foundations of the nation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Treachery is a common theme in Shakespeare's plays, where betrayal leads to tragic outcomes.
- In Dante's 'Inferno,' treachery is punished severely, categorized as one of the worst sins in his depiction of hell.
- Many classic literary heroes face betrayal by those they trust, emphasizing the emotional weight of treachery.
Psychology
- Studies show that betrayal can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, and distrust in relationships.
- The betrayal of trust can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
- People often struggle to forgive treachery due to its deep emotional implications.
History
- Benedict Arnold is infamous for his treachery, betraying American forces during the Revolutionary War.
- Historical events, like the assassination of Julius Caesar, highlight treachery as a turning point in power dynamics.
- In ancient Rome, the term 'perfidus' was used to denote treachery, especially in political contexts.
Pop Culture
- Treachery appears frequently in movies, often as plot twists where trusted characters betray heroes.
- Popular TV shows like 'Game of Thrones' feature treachery as a central theme, impacting alliances and power struggles.
- Video games often involve elements of treachery, where players must navigate alliances and betrayals to succeed.
Origin of 'treachery'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'trecherie,' which means deceit.
- It has roots in the Latin 'tradere,' which means to hand over or betray.
- The term has been used in the English language since the late 14th century.
The word 'treachery' originated from the Middle English 'trecherie', which in turn came from the Old French 'tricherie'. It has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving to encompass both the betrayal of trust and acts of treason. The concept of treachery has been a common theme in literature and history, often depicted as a heinous act with severe consequences.