Perfidiously describes an action performed in a deliberately faithless, disloyal, or treacherous manner. It implies a violation of trust or a broken promise, often resulting in deceitful behavior intended to harm or betray someone. The act is often cunning and subtle, designed to mislead the victim and conceal the true malicious intent. It suggests a deep-seated lack of integrity and moral character, where betrayers may have a good public image and use that to deceive.
Perfidiously meaning with examples
- The spy, after gaining the trust of the resistance, acted perfidiously by providing the enemy with crucial information, leading to the capture and execution of many of its members. The double-cross caused the fall of the entire network, a terrible betrayal of his oath. His actions were both cruel and efficient in their betrayal of others.
- The politician, despite his promises of transparency and integrity, perfidiously accepted bribes from lobbyists. He consistently voted in favor of bills that would harm the public and instead served special interests, betraying the trust the voters had placed in him. He smiled as he profited.
- In a moment of weakness, the general perfidiously switched allegiance to the opposing army. This sudden and unexpected treachery cost his former allies a major victory and caused widespread chaos and casualties, leaving his men vulnerable and leaderless. His actions led to untold suffering.
- The company's CEO, attempting to secure a merger, perfidiously hid important financial liabilities. Once the deal was complete, and the other party was fully involved, the truth was revealed, which led to the downfall of the new combined entity and a costly series of lawsuits and broken promises. The CEO destroyed both his company and the partner.