perfidy

[ pur-fi-dee ]

noun

, plural per·fi·dies.

1. deliberate breach of faith or trust; faithlessness; treachery:

   perfidy that goes unpunished.

2. an act or instance of faithlessness or treachery.

ˈperfidy

/ ˈpɜːfɪdɪ /

noun

1. a perfidious act

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfidy¹

1585–95; < Latin perfidia faithlessness, equivalent to perfid ( us ) faithless, literally, through (i.e., beyond the limits of ) faith ( per- per- + fid ( ēs ) faith + -us adj. suffix) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfidy¹

C16: from Latin perfidia, from perfidus faithless, from per beyond + fidēs faith

Synonym Study

See disloyalty.

Example Sentences

If Trump’s perfidy on the economy is galling, his lies about immigration are criminal.

From Salon

Trump has refused in recent interviews to commit to accepting the results in November; since the sore loser still doesn’t concede his 2020 defeat, his antidemocratic perfidy about 2024 doesn’t surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

A famous essay in the Baffler, “The Problem With Music,” laid out the perfidies of the major-label system, at the time still in a post-Nirvana feeding frenzy for young rock acts.

From Los Angeles Times

Both because of and despite his perfidy and dangerousness, Trump is the leading 2024 Republican Party presidential candidate.

From Salon

Trump's perfidy and danger to American democracy and society must be emphasized at every opportunity.

From Salon