dastardly

English

Etymology

From dastard +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈdɑːstədli/, /ˈdæstədli/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈdæstɚdli/

Adjective

dastardly (comparative dastardlier, superlative dastardliest)

1. In the manner of a dastard; marked by cowardice; pusillanimous.

   Synonyms: gutless, nithing, spineless; see also Thesaurus:cowardly

   • 1941 December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 6:42 from the start, in Day of Infamy Speech‎^[1], Washington, D.C.:

     I ask that the Congress declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

2. Treacherous; given to backstabbing.

   Synonyms: Judaslike, ratlike, viperous; see also Thesaurus:treacherous

Derived terms

• dastardliness

Adverb

dastardly

1. In a cowardly or treacherous fashion.

   Synonyms: Judasly, ratlike, traitorwise; see also Thesaurus:treacherously