Betray: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used in a general sense when someone is disloyal or breaks trust, especially revealing secret information or failing to uphold a promise. It is often used in relationships, friendships, or alliances.

• He betrayed his country by providing secret documents to the enemy.
• She felt deeply betrayed when her friend revealed her secret.

This word is used when someone deliberately makes another person believe something that is not true. It is associated with lying or creating false impressions.

• The salesman tried to deceive her into buying a defective product.
• He deceived everyone by pretending to be a doctor.

This word has a negative tone and is used when someone betrays another person by going back on a promise or agreement, typically for personal gain. It is common in criminal or espionage situations.

• The spy was double-crossed by his contact during the operation.
• She was double-crossed in the deal and lost all her money.

This word carries a negative connotation and is used when someone deceitfully harms or betrays someone who trusts them, particularly behind the person's back. It's often used in workplace or political contexts.

• He was backstabbed by his colleague who wanted his position.
• She couldn't believe her best friend would backstab her in such a cruel way.

This term implies betrayal for personal gain, often financial, and is used when someone compromises their integrity or values. It is commonly used in artistic, business, or political contexts.

• The band sold out when they changed their music style for more commercial success.
• Many believed the politician sold out by supporting the controversial bill.

Use this word when someone is disloyal or does something that harms someone who trusted them. It has a strong negative connotation.

• He betrayed his best friend by revealing his deepest secret.
• The soldier was accused of betraying his country by giving information to the enemy.

This word is used when revealing something hidden that usually has a negative implication, such as wrongdoings, secrets, or lies.

• The journalist worked hard to expose the corruption in the government.
• His lies were finally exposed during the investigation.

This word is appropriate when someone reveals information that was previously hidden or unknown but usually without the negative intention or consequence.

• The company had to disclose its financial statements to the public.
• She decided to disclose her plans to her parents.

Use 'unveil' when formally revealing something new or making an announcement. It is often used in positive contexts such as launching a new product or disclosing a new plan.

• The company will unveil its new smartphone model next month.
• The artist unveiled his latest masterpiece at the gallery.

This word is used when revealing something that is meant to be kept secret or confidential. It has a slightly negative connotation but is often less severe than 'betray'.

• You should never divulge personal information to strangers.
• The employee was fired for divulging confidential information.

Used when someone breaks trust or loyalty, often by revealing secrets or showing disloyalty.

• She felt hurt when her friend betrayed her by spilling her secret
• He betrayed his country by selling classified information

Used to describe extreme acts of betrayal or deceit, often in a serious or historical context. It has a strong, dramatic connotation.

• His treachery during the war shocked everyone
• The treachery of the spies led to severe consequences

Describes someone not being loyal or faithful, often in relationships, friendships, or between employees and employers.

• His disloyalty to his friends cost him their trust
• The company's disloyalty to long-time employees led to a lot of resentment

Refers to the act of concealing or misrepresenting the truth, usually with the intent to mislead. Often used in formal or serious contexts.

• His deceit about his qualifications was soon uncovered
• The relationship was based on deceit from the very beginning

Typically used in an informal context to describe someone who secretly harms another, often in a work or social setting. It carries a very negative connotation.

• He lost his job because of a backstabbing colleague
• Gossiping behind someone's back is pure backstabbing