treacherous and sycophantic; sycophant
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesadjective
treacherous and sycophantic; crafty and fawning
literaryLiterary term describing behavior that is both treacherous and flattering. Often used to describe villains in historical texts.
He is a treacherous and sycophantic villain who cannot be trusted.
Throughout history, those treacherous and flattering officials never came to good ends.
noun
treacherous and sycophantic person; sycophant; evil flatterer
literaryRefers to a person who uses flattery and treachery to gain power or favor. Common in historical and literary contexts.
Sycophants monopolized power at court, while loyal and capable officials were demoted one after another.
If a ruler befriends sycophants and keeps wise ministers at a distance, the nation will surely be in peril.
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Those sycophants only know how to flatter and fawn, possessing no genuine talent or real learning.