treachery

Definition of treachery

Etymology

From Middle English trecherie < Old French tricherie, trecherie < tricher, trichier ("to cheat").

Noun

treachery (plural treacheries)

1. Deliberate, often calculated, disregard for trust or faith.
2. The act of violating the confidence of another, usually for personal gain.
3. Treason.

Synonyms

• treacherousness

Related terms

• treacher
• treacherous
• trick
• trickster
• tricky

Further reading

Treachery is a statutory offence in Australia. There was also an unrelated statutory offence bearing that name in the United Kingdom, but it has been abolished. Both of these offences were derived from or inspired by the related offence of treason. The name treachery was chosen because it is a synonym for treason.

Australia

The offence is created by section 24AA of the Crimes Act 1914.

United Kingdom

See the Treachery Act 1940.