act of Iscariotism
- noun
- Literature
:
acto de iscariotismo
- The betrayal was an act of Iscariotism committed for monetary gain.
Examples
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His decision to reveal confidential information was an act of Iscariotism that shocked the entire company.
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History remembers the act of Iscariotism as one of the greatest betrayals ever committed.
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She could never forgive him for that single act of Iscariotism, no matter what explanation he gave.
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His actions were a clear act of Iscariotism!
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The betrayal was an act of Iscariotism for money.
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His decision to reveal confidential information was an act of Iscariotism that shocked the entire company.
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She could never forgive him for that single act of Iscariotism, no matter what explanation he gave.
Synonyms
197
3.9
An act of not being loyal to someone, for example telling their secrets or helping an enemy
46
7.5
To betray someone's trust or loyalty
5
6.6
To betray someone after pretending to help them
3
6.7
Acting secretly to hurt someone you seem friendly with
3
9.9
To accept bribes and use power for personal gain
The act of betraying your country or people by helping their enemies
How Treacherous
Surface Forms
Morphology
act + of + Iscariotism
The key element 'Iscariotism' relies on the cultural/historical reference to Judas Iscariot (a specific biblical figure associated with betrayal), so the sense 'treachery for monetary gain' cannot be derived from the literal words 'act' and the suffix-like form '-ism' alone. A B1 learner who only knows the basic constituent words and lacks the biblical/cultural background would not predict this idiomatic, referential meaning, so the expression is opaque.
Etymology
The phrase act of Iscariotism comes from the Bible story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and his name became a strong picture of selling someone out for money. So today act of Iscariotism means 'a betrayal, often for money'.