Betraying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone breaks trust or loyalty, often by revealing secrets or acting against someone's interests.

• She felt hurt by him betraying her trust
• His actions were seen as betraying his team

Used in situations involving dishonesty or deception, often in relationships, games, or tests.

• He was caught trying to cheat on his exam
• She felt devastated when she discovered her partner had been cheating on her

Describes a situation where someone deceives or betrays another person, after initially appearing to support them.

• He planned to double-cross his partners and take all the money for himself
• The thief was double-crossed by his own accomplice

Carries a negative connotation and typically describes someone treacherously harming someone who trusts them by doing something deceptive behind their back.

• After all we went through, I can't believe you would backstab me like this
• He was caught backstabbing his colleagues to get a promotion

Used when someone breaks trust or confidentially reveals information, usually in a negative or personal context.

• She felt heartbroken, knowing her best friend was betraying her secrets to others.
• Betraying your team members just to get a promotion is unethical.

Used in both formal and informal situations to show or make something known that was hidden or unknown before.

• The magician did not reveal the secret behind his trick.
• She chose that moment to reveal her true feelings.

Used in formal or official situations when revealing information that was previously hidden or confidential.

• The company needs to disclose their financial records to the shareholders.
• He decided to disclose his plans during the meeting.

Used when finding or discovering something that was previously hidden, often used in investigative or detective work.

• They worked hard to uncover the truth behind the scandal.
• Archaeologists managed to uncover ancient artifacts during the excavation.

Used when someone is being disloyal, usually in a serious and emotional context, for example, breaking trust in friendships, relationships or committing treason.

• She felt like he was betraying her trust by sharing her secrets.
• The spy was caught betraying his country.

Commonly used to express feelings of being disappointed by someone's actions or inactions, typically in a personal or emotional context.

• I'm sorry to let you down, but I can't make it to the party.
• She felt let down when he didn't show up.

Appropriate for expressing that someone did not meet expectations or hopes, usually in a less severe and more common scenario.

• I was disappointed when the event got canceled.
• He didn't want to disappoint his parents with his grades.

Used to describe not succeeding at a task or goal, often with a strong focus on the action or result, rather than emotional betrayal.

• He failed the math test despite studying hard.
• The company failed to meet its sales targets.