Tergiversation

Meanings

1. The making of evasive or ambiguous statements
2. Equivocation or desertion of a cause
3. Changing one's loyalties or opinions

Example Sentences

• "The minister's tergiversation on the land reform bill frustrated both supporters and opponents."
• "His tergiversation during the investigation suggested he was hiding crucial information."
• "The party accused the defecting members of political tergiversation."

Etymology

From Latin 'tergiversatio' (evasion), from 'tergiversari' (to turn one's back, evade), from 'tergum' (back) + 'versare' (to turn, frequentative of 'vertere'). Literally 'to turn one's back' — a vivid image of evasion and betrayal.

Related Words