Betrayal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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betrayal

[bɪˈtreɪəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emotion

The action of betraying one's country, a group, or a person; treachery.

Synonyms

backstabbing, deceit, double-cross, treachery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
betrayal	This term is broadly used to describe the act of breaking trust or faith in someone or something, often resulting in emotional pain. His betrayal of their friendship was devastating The sudden betrayal by his closest allies left him in shock
treachery	A formal term that conveys a sense of serious and intentional betrayal, often involving actions that endanger others. His treachery in wartime was considered unforgivable The novel depicted the treachery of a trusted advisor that led to the downfall of the kingdom
deceit	Refers to the act of lying or misleading someone, typically involving intentional dishonesty and trickery. The politician's deceit was eventually uncovered, causing a public scandal Living a life of deceit finally caught up with him, ruining his reputation
double-cross	Usually used in more dramatic or literary contexts to describe an act of betrayal where someone switches sides or turns against an ally, often for personal gain. The spy's double-cross nearly compromised the entire mission She never expected a double-cross from someone she trusted so deeply
backstabbing	Used in informal settings to describe acts of betrayal that are done secretly and typically by someone considered close, like friends or coworkers. It often has a strong negative connotation. Her backstabbing behavior at work caused a lot of mistrust within the team He felt utterly betrayed by the backstabbing remarks made behind his back

Examples of usage

He was deeply hurt by the betrayal of his closest friend.
She felt a sense of betrayal when she discovered her partner's secret.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

relationship

The action of betraying someone's trust or confidence.

Synonyms

disloyalty, double-dealing, infidelity, treachery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
betrayal	Appropriate for situations where there's a sense of personal or emotional trust being broken, often in relationships or friendships. Her cry of betrayal echoed through the empty house. The betrayal by his closest friend was hard to forgive.
treachery	Used to describe betrayal of a serious or dramatic nature, often involving significant danger or harm; appropriate for historical, literary, or dramatic contexts. The treachery within the ranks led to the kingdom's downfall. He was punished severely for his treachery against the crown.
disloyalty	Best used when describing a lack of faithfulness or commitment, typically in less emotional contexts such as professional or social obligations. The employee's disloyalty was evident when he shared company secrets. Disloyalty among the ranks led to the downfall of the team.
infidelity	Most commonly used to describe unfaithfulness in romantic relationships, specifically relating to cheating or unfaithful behavior. Her infidelity was a shock to everyone who knew them. Infidelity can be a devastating blow to any marriage.
double-dealing	Used in contexts where deception or dishonesty is involved, often in business or political scenarios. This word carries a strongly negative connotation. The politician was accused of double-dealing and taking bribes. Double-dealing in negotiations can ruin a company's reputation.

Examples of usage

The betrayal of her trust left a lasting impact on their relationship.
Betrayal of a friend's confidence is never acceptable.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

literary

The act of exposing one's true feelings or intentions, often to the detriment of oneself or others.

Synonyms

admission, confession, disclosure, revealing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
betrayal	Use 'betrayal' when someone has been disloyal or treacherous, usually breaking trust or confidence. It often has a negative connotation. Her betrayal hurt him deeply, as he never expected her to go behind his back
revealing	Use 'revealing' when uncovering or showing something that was hidden or not known. It can be used in both personal and formal contexts. The documentary was very revealing, shedding light on issues that were previously ignored
disclosure	Use 'disclosure' when revealing information, especially if it was previously secret or unknown. It is often used in legal or formal contexts. The disclosure of the company's financial problems led to a drop in their stock price
confession	Use 'confession' when someone admits to something, often a wrongdoing or a crime, usually in a formal or religious setting. It can imply guilt or remorse. After hours of questioning, the suspect finally made a confession
admission	Use 'admission' when acknowledging or accepting something, often reluctantly or when giving permission to enter a place or join an event. It's more neutral and formal. His admission of guilt was surprising to everyone

Examples of usage

The character's betrayal of his own desires led to his downfall in the story.
In the novel, the ultimate betrayal was revealed in the final chapters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Old French 'traiter' and Latin 'tradere', meaning to hand over or betray.
Throughout history, acts of betrayal have been seen as some of the worst offenses in societies, often leading to severe punishments.
Notable betrayals have changed the course of history, such as Julius Caesar’s assassination by his close friend Brutus.

Literature

Betrayal is a common theme in literature, with works like Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' exploring friendships and treachery.
In modern literature, characters are frequently faced with the betrayal of loved ones or allies, creating deep emotional conflict.
The concept of betrayal in storytelling often serves to illuminate themes of loyalty, trust, and the complexities of human relationships.

Psychology

Betrayal can lead to significant emotional turmoil, often resulting in feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion.
Psychologically, betrayal trauma can affect a person's ability to trust others in the future, impacting relationships.
Research suggests that individuals process betrayal through a lens of cognitive dissonance, battling conflicting feelings about the betrayer.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Usual Suspects' and 'Fight Club' showcase betrayal as a central element, often twisting plot lines and character motivations.
Television shows frequently use betrayal to build drama, such as in 'Game of Thrones,' where loyalties and allegiances shift unexpectedly.
Songs like 'Backstabber' by Kesha and 'Someone Like You' by Adele tap into the feelings of hurt associated with betrayal.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche discussed betrayal in the context of morality and personal ethics, questioning the nature of loyalty.
The concept of betrayal raises questions about free will and the nature of choice, particularly when personal loyalties conflict with moral duties.
Existentialist thinkers have linked betrayal to personal authenticity, where betraying oneself or others leads to a loss of one's true identity.

Origin of 'betrayal'

The word 'betrayal' originated from the Middle English word 'betraien', which came from the Old French word 'betrahir', meaning 'to betray'. The concept of betrayal has been a significant theme in literature, art, and human relationships throughout history, with countless stories depicting the consequences of betrayal and the complexities of trust and loyalty.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,591, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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