Break/keep faith with somebody
phrasal verb
To stop being loyal or betray somebody.
He knew that by lying to his friend, he would break faith with him.
Often appears as...
- break faith with a friend
- break faith with a partner
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To continue to be loyal to someone.
Despite the difficulties, they decided to keep faith with their trusted mentor.
Often appears as...
- keep faith with a friend
- keep faith with a partner
Usage tips
Formal, Approving
phrasal verb
To stop being loyal or betray somebody.
He knew that by lying to his friend, he would break faith with him.
Often appears as...
- break faith with a friend
- break faith with a partner
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To continue to be loyal to someone.
Despite the difficulties, they decided to keep faith with their trusted mentor.
Often appears as...
- keep faith with a friend
- keep faith with a partner
Usage tips
Formal, Approving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Trust Impact
Using 'break faith' implies a strong negative impact on trust in relationships.
After sharing secrets, if you gossip, you break faith with your confidant.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
'Break faith' carries an emotional weight, signaling disappointment and hurt.
He broke faith with his team, leaving everyone feeling betrayed.
Pro Tip 3/3Serious Accusation
Accusing someone of breaking faith is serious and might damage relationships.
When he didn't support her idea, she accused him of breaking faith.
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