treachery

noun

treach·​ery ˈtre-chə-rē How to pronounce treachery (audio)
ˈtrech-rē
plural treacheries
1
: violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : treason
2
: an act of perfidy or treason

Examples of treachery in a Sentence

a tale of treachery and revenge was furious that she revealed his secret and never forgave her for the treachery
Recent Examples on the Web But, unfortunately, Hollywood hype rescued this latest, most ambitious treachery. Armond White, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024 Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, who journeys through space to the desert planet Arrakis, where treachery — and giant, toothy sandworms — await. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Leamer’s tale had luxury, treachery, artistry and spite. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2024 The second entailed more intra-government treachery, as well as Russian espionage in the heart of London. J. Oliver Conroy, Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2024 Picturesque rolling hills, verdant pastures and golden fields of grain provide a deceptively bucolic setting despoiled by greed, treachery and murder. Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2024 How might a nation protect itself from such treachery? Jordan Castro, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 The historian’s vivid and fast-paced narrative presents Arnold in full, detailing his ambition, his bravery, and, finally, his treachery. Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Dec. 2023 True creativity requires not blind faith but a little treachery. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 1 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'treachery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trecherie, from Anglo-French, from trecher, tricher to deceive, from Vulgar Latin *triccare — more at trick entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of treachery was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near treachery

Cite this Entry

“Treachery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treachery. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

treachery

noun
treach·​ery ˈtrech-(ə-)rē How to pronounce treachery (audio)
plural treacheries
1
: violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : treason
2
: an act of treason

More from Merriam-Webster on treachery

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