Betray: meaning, definitions and examples

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betray

[ bɪˈtreɪ ]

^{Context #1}

in relationships

to be disloyal to someone by deceiving or abandoning them, especially in a time of need

Synonyms

backstab, deceive, double-cross, sell out

Examples of usage

He felt betrayed by his best friend when he found out he was spreading rumors about him.
She felt like she had been betrayed by her husband when she discovered he was having an affair.
The spy betrayed his country by leaking classified information to the enemy.

^{Context #2}

in a trust

to reveal or disclose confidential information, especially against someone's trust or expectation

Synonyms

disclose, divulge, expose, unveil

Examples of usage

He betrayed his colleague by revealing their project plans to their competitors.
She felt betrayed by her therapist when he disclosed her personal struggles to his other clients.

^{Context #3}

emotion

a feeling of being hurt or let down by someone close, due to their disloyalty or treachery

Synonyms

backstabbing, deceit, disloyalty, treachery

Examples of usage

She couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal after her best friend shared her secrets with others.
Betrayal can lead to a deep sense of distrust and emotional pain in relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "betray" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trair

🇮🇳 धोखा देना (dhokha dena)

🇩🇪 verraten

🇮🇩 mengkhianati

🇺🇦 зрадити

🇵🇱 zdradzić

🇯🇵 裏切る (uragiru)

🇫🇷 trahir

🇪🇸 traicionar

🇹🇷 ihanet etmek

🇰🇷 배신하다 (baesinhada)

🇸🇦 خيانة (khiyana)

🇨🇿 zradit

🇸🇰 zradiť

🇨🇳 背叛 (bèipàn)

🇸🇮 izdati

🇮🇸 svíkja

🇰🇿 сатқындық жасау

🇬🇪 გაცემა (gats'ema)

🇦🇿 xəyanət etmək

🇲🇽 traicionar

Word origin

The word 'betray' originated from the Latin word 'tradere,' meaning 'to hand over.' Over time, it evolved to include the sense of handing over someone's trust or confidence to harm them. The concept of betrayal has been a prevalent theme in literature, psychology, and human relationships, depicting the deep emotional impact of broken trust and deception.