punic

9.9

Dishonest and untrustworthy behaviour, like breaking a promise, as the Romans said of the people of Carthage

adjective
/ˈpjuːnɪk/

Slur

: [término ofensivo (arcaico) para 'traidor']

Again, that's a Punic peace, and there's something to be said for a Punic peace.

Examples

After losing a hand in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), Marcus Sergius, a Roman general, received a prosthesis that enabled him to return successfully to battle.

Academic text (2014)
His actions were seen as punic, leaving his allies feeling betrayed.
The diplomat was known for his punic strategies, often misleading other countries during negotiations.
Many viewed her decision to abandon the project as punic, as it undermined her team's efforts.

Synonyms

treacherous

vspunic

29 7.1

Likely to betray you, for example by lying or breaking promises

focuses on the stereotypical label rather than danger or physical risk

perfidious

vspunic

Formal

2 9.2

Likely to betray someone's trust by lying or cheating

is used for a historical stereotype of betrayal rather than individual intent

Antonyms

faithful

163 1.8

Loyal and steady in support of a person, group, or idea

trustworthy

87 2.1

A person or thing you can depend on to be honest

Compounds

Punic War

1 9.1

One of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage that ended with Rome destroying Carthage

Punic War

1 8.1

A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage that made Rome the main power in the western Mediterranean

How Treacherous

traitorous

18 8.3

treacherous

29 7.1

perfidious

Formal

2 9.2

punic

Slur

9.9

faithless

13 5.6

untrustworthy

20 4.8

Surface Forms

punic positive

Etymology

Punic comes from Latin Punicus, meaning 'of the Phoenicians', the people of Carthage. Because the Romans often called Carthaginians 'treacherous' in their stories, a helpful way to remember punic is that it can mean 'treacherous' or 'untrustworthy' today.