Dictionary
treacherous
adjective treach·er·ous \ˈtre-chə-rəs, ˈtrech-rəs\
: not able to be trusted : showing that someone cannot be trusted
: very dangerous and difficult to deal with
Full Definition of TREACHEROUS
1
: characterized by or manifesting treachery : perfidious
2
a : likely to betray trust : unreliable <a treacherous memory> b : providing insecure footing or support <treacherous quicksand> c : marked by hidden dangers, hazards, or perils
— treach·er·ous·ly adverb
— treach·er·ous·ness noun
See treacherous defined for English-language learners
See treacherous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of TREACHEROUS
14th century
Related to TREACHEROUS
- Synonyms
- disloyal, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, faithless, unfaithful, untrue
Synonym Discussion of TREACHEROUS
faithless, false, disloyal, traitorous, treacherous, perfidious mean untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance. faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty <faithless allies>. false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery <betrayed by false friends>. disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country <disloyal to their country>. traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust <traitorous acts punishable by death>. treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence <a treacherous adviser>. perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability <a perfidious double-crosser>.
Rhymes with TREACHEROUS
TREACHEROUS Defined for Kids
treacherous
adjective treach·er·ous \ˈtre-chə-rəs\
Definition of TREACHEROUS for Kids
1
: not safe because of hidden dangers <This was a treacherous road at night … — John Reynolds Gardiner, Stone Fox>
2
: not trustworthy : guilty of betrayal or likely to betray <a treacherous enemy>
— treach·er·ous·ly adverb
Learn More About TREACHEROUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: treacheryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: trcAll Words Near: treacherous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up treacherous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).