Word: treacherous (adjective)

Associations

"Treacherous" means something that is dangerous or not to be trusted. It often describes situations or people that seem safe but can cause harm.

• Example 1: "The treacherous path through the mountains was full of hidden dangers." (Here, the path looks safe but is actually risky.)
• Example 2: "He was known for his treacherous behavior, betraying friends for his own gain." (In this case, the person cannot be trusted.)
• Example 3: "The treacherous waters made sailing very risky." (The waters may seem calm but are actually dangerous.)

A well-known synonym for "treacherous" is "dangerous." The main difference is that "treacherous" often implies deceit or betrayal, while "dangerous" simply means something that can cause harm without any deceitful connotation.

Substitution

Instead of "treacherous," you could use:

• "hazardous" (more about physical danger)
• "perilous" (often used for risky situations)
• "deceitful" (if referring to a person's character)

These substitutions change the meaning slightly; for example, "hazardous" focuses on physical danger, while "deceitful" focuses on dishonesty.

Deconstruction

The word "treacherous" comes from the root "treachery," which means betrayal. The prefix "treach-" is related to "traitor," and the suffix "-ous" means "full of." So, "treacherous" literally means "full of betrayal."

Historically, it has been used to describe not just people, but also environments and situations that are misleadingly dangerous.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you encountered a treacherous situation? What made it feel that way?
• How would you describe a person who is treacherous? What traits do they have?
• In what contexts do you think it is important to recognize treachery in people or situations?