Betrayal: meaning, definitions and examples

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betrayal

[ bɪˈtreɪəl ]

^{Context #1}

emotion

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

Synonyms

backstabbing, deceit, double-cross, treachery

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}

relationship

The action of betraying someone's trust or confidence.

Synonyms

disloyalty, double-dealing, infidelity, treachery

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}

literary

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

Synonyms

admission, confession, disclosure, revealing

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

Translations of the word "betrayal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traição

🇮🇳 विश्वासघात

🇩🇪 Verrat

🇮🇩 pengkhianatan

🇺🇦 зрада

🇵🇱 zdrada

🇯🇵 裏切り (uragiri)

🇫🇷 trahison

🇪🇸 traición

🇹🇷 ihanet

🇰🇷 배신 (baesin)

🇸🇦 خيانة (khianah)

🇨🇿 zrada

🇸🇰 zrada

🇨🇳 背叛 (bèipàn)

🇸🇮 izdaja

🇮🇸 svik

🇰🇿 сатқындық

🇬🇪 ღალატი (ghalati)

🇦🇿 xəyanət

🇲🇽 traición

Word origin

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.