# fealty

/ˈfiəɫti/ (US) · /fˈiːlti/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fealty
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

loyal support for a leader, ruler, or country, often promised in a serious and formal way. You show fealty when you stay loyal even when it is difficult.

For teachers: loyalty and obedience owed to a sovereign, lord, or state, traditionally affirmed by oath. Often invoked in feudal, historical, or ceremonial contexts.

## Examples

- The knights swear fealty to their king.
- New citizens pledge fealty to the country during the naturalization ceremony.
- Despite changing governments, the old soldier maintained fealty to the ideals of service and duty he had embraced as a young recruit.

## Synonyms

allegiance, loyalty

## Antonyms

disloyalty, betrayal, treachery, treason

## Usage notes

- Commonly pairs with verbs like 'swear' or 'pledge' and the preposition 'to'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.