tergiversation

• Nom désignant l'usage de propos évasifs ou ambigus pour tromper, ou l'action de changer de conviction, de trahir un parti ou une cause.

A noun referring to the act of using evasive or ambiguous language to mislead, or the act of changing one's loyalties or abandoning a party or cause.

1. Use of evasive or ambiguous languageC2formal

   The act of deliberately using vague or unclear language to avoid giving a direct answer or to mislead.

   Tergiversation

   • The politician's speech was full of tergiversation, avoiding any clear commitment.
   • His tergiversation during the interview frustrated the journalists.
   • She accused him of tergiversation when he refused to give a straight answer.

   Synonymesdodgingequivocationevasionhedgingprevaricationshufflesubterfuge

   Antonymescandordirectnessfranknesshonestystraightforwardness

2. Act of changing sides or abandoning a causeC2formal

   The act of deserting one's party, principles, or cause, often for personal gain.

   défection

   • His tergiversation shocked his former allies when he joined the opposition.
   • The general's tergiversation led to the collapse of the rebellion.
   • History remembers him for his tergiversation rather than his loyalty.

   Synonymesabandonmentapostasybetrayaldefectiondesertionperfidyrenunciationtreachery

   Antonymesallegianceconstancyloyaltysteadfastness