prevaricación

breach of trust (by a public official)

noun preh-bah-ree-kah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: From Latin praevaricatio, from praevaricare (to straddle, to act corruptly).

Usage Note

Prevaricación is a specific legal term in Spanish law for when a public official knowingly issues an unjust resolution — a crime of abusing public authority. It is not a general word for corruption; use corrupción for that broader concept.

Examples

"El alcalde fue condenado por prevaricación."

Natural Translation

The mayor was convicted of breach of public trust.

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