tryst

[ trist, trahyst ]

noun

1. an appointment to meet at a certain time and place, especially one made somewhat secretly by lovers.

   Synonyms: rendezvous, assignation

2. an appointed meeting.

   Synonyms: rendezvous, assignation

3. an appointed place of meeting.

   Synonyms: rendezvous

verb (used with object)

1. Chiefly Scot. to make an appointment or arrange a meeting with.

verb (used without object)

1. Chiefly Scot. to make an appointment or agreement.

tryst

/ traɪst; trɪst /

noun

1. an appointment to meet, esp secretly
2. the place of such a meeting or the meeting itself

verb

1. intr to meet at or arrange a tryst

Derived Forms

• ˈtryster, noun

Other Words From

• tryster noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tryst¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English triste “appointed hunting-station,” from Old French, from Germanic; compare Gothic trausti “agreement, arrangement,” akin to Middle English trist “confidence,” Old English tryst (unrecorded); trow, trust

Word History and Origins

Origin of tryst¹

C14: from Old French triste lookout post, apparently of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse traust trust

Example Sentences

She was thrown out of her hotel residence for her nightly trysts and was deemed morally unfit to teach after an affair with a 17-year-old boy.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, any lawyer would have said that Trump should just stipulate to the tryst with Stormy Daniels so they could avoid the whole spectacle of her testimony.

From Salon

The former publisher of The National Enquirer, he testified at the beginning of Trump’s trial that he paid for Stormy Daniels’ story of a tryst with Trump in order to bury it.

From Seattle Times

Daniels recounted her story of the tryst in her memoir and numerous interviews, dating back to a 2011 interview for In Touch magazine.

From Salon

Necheles also pressed Daniels about her decision to talk about her alleged tryst with the Republican candidate.

From Salon

Related Words

• assignation
• rendezvous

More About Tryst

What does tryst mean?

A tryst is an appointment made to meet at a specific place and time, especially one made in secret by lovers, as in The two employees arranged a tryst for meeting secretly after work. 

Tryst is also the meeting itself or the place where the meeting will happen, as in Paul snuck out of his room and headed to the tryst.

Uncommonly, tryst can be used as a verb to mean to plan a meeting, as in Romeo and Juliet met outside the balcony and secretly trysted.   

Example: The married businessman denied all accusations that he had had a secret tryst with one of his female business partners.

Where does tryst come from?

The first records of tryst come from around 1325. It comes from the Old French triste, meaning a “lookout post” or “hunting station.” A distinguishing landmark like a lookout post would be an easy spot for hunters to find in order to meet up with each other. This kind of meeting was unlikely to result in romance—for the hunters or the hunted.

Today, the word tryst is often used in gossip articles or news stories about shocking love affairs. Because the word tryst is so often used to specifically mean secret romantic meetings, it is usually used when one of the people involved wants to keep the romance a secret, such as because they are in a relationship with someone else.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to tryst?

• tryster (noun)

What are some synonyms for tryst?

• assignation
• rendezvous

What are some words that share a root or word element with tryst? 

• trysting place

What are some words that often get used in discussing tryst?

• romance
• secret
• scandalous

How is tryst used in real life?

Tryst is most often used to refer to secret romantic meetings.

#IndiaThanksNehruji The man who inspired and gave us the meaning of freedom.
Long years ago… we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.#RememberingNehru
pic.twitter.com/FuXhCulsTZ

— Abhishak Somra (@abhishaksomra) May 26, 2021

Two local cops suspended following allegations of romantic tryst with exotic dancers behind adult entertainment venue. More @ 5. #fb

— John Borsa (@JohnBorsa) February 15, 2010

I could see myself marrying thor. or at least having a scandalous tryst with him. #thor #thoughtsbeforebed

— #1 Wanda Maximoff Hater Steenz (@oheysteenz) February 13, 2012

Try using tryst!

Is tryst used correctly in the following sentence?

After photos of the romantic date emerged, the singer admitted he had arranged a tryst with the lead guitarist.