tergiversation
[noun]
Synonyms: defection, apostasy, desertion, falseness, recreancy, ambiguity, amphibology, double entendre, double meaning, equivocality, equivocation, equivoque

---

Related Words: about-face, reversal, reverse, denial, disavowal, forswearing, renunciation, repudiation

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

tergiversation noun. [,tǝ:dʒɪvǝ'seɪʃ(ǝ)n] L16.
[Latin tergiversatio(n-), formed as TERGIVERSATE: see -ATION.]
1. The action of turning one's back on or forsaking something; desertion or abandonment of a cause, party, etc.; betrayal, apostasy. Also, an instance of this. Formerly also, refusal to obey. L16.

2. Turning from straightforward action or statement; shifting of stance, equivocation, prevarication. Also, an instance of this, an evasion, a subterfuge. L16.
New Yorker The familiar tergiversations of city politicians.

3. lit. The turning of one's back, esp. in preparation for flight or retreat. Only in M17.

■ tergiver'satory adjective evasive, shifty, given to tergiversation L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲