Betraying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
betraying
[bษชหtreษชษชล ]
Definitions
emotions
to be disloyal or unfaithful to someone, by telling their secrets or by doing something harmful to them
Synonyms
backstab, cheat, double-cross.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| betraying |
Used when someone breaks trust or loyalty, often by revealing secrets or acting against someone's interests.
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| cheat |
Used in situations involving dishonesty or deception, often in relationships, games, or tests.
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| double-cross |
Describes a situation where someone deceives or betrays another person, after initially appearing to support them.
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| backstab |
Carries a negative connotation and typically describes someone treacherously harming someone who trusts them by doing something deceptive behind their back.
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Examples of usage
- He felt betrayed by his best friend.
- She was accused of betraying her country.
trust
to reveal secrets or information to an enemy
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| betraying |
Used when someone breaks trust or confidentially reveals information, usually in a negative or personal context.
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| reveal |
Used in both formal and informal situations to show or make something known that was hidden or unknown before.
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| disclose |
Used in formal or official situations when revealing information that was previously hidden or confidential.
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| uncover |
Used when finding or discovering something that was previously hidden, often used in investigative or detective work.
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Examples of usage
- The spy was accused of betraying national security.
- She was arrested for betraying classified information.
relationships
to be disloyal to a person's trust or confidence
Synonyms
disappoint, fail, let down.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| betraying |
Used when someone is being disloyal, usually in a serious and emotional context, for example, breaking trust in friendships, relationships or committing treason.
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| let down |
Commonly used to express feelings of being disappointed by someone's actions or inactions, typically in a personal or emotional context.
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| disappoint |
Appropriate for expressing that someone did not meet expectations or hopes, usually in a less severe and more common scenario.
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| fail |
Used to describe not succeeding at a task or goal, often with a strong focus on the action or result, rather than emotional betrayal.
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Examples of usage
- He felt like he was betraying his family by moving away.
- She couldn't bear the thought of betraying her friend.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Originating from the Latin word 'tradere,' which means to hand over or deliver, it historically carried connotations of turning against someone.
- The concept has been significant throughout history, especially in political contexts, where betrayal could change the course of entire nations.
Literature
- Betrayal is a common theme in literature, known for driving plots and character development, from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' to modern novels.
- In many stories, the act of betrayal serves as a catalyst for conflict, exploring deep emotional and moral dilemmas.
Psychology
- Research shows that betrayal can lead to a range of emotions, including anger, confusion, and heartbreak, affecting a personโs mental health.
- The fear of betrayal can significantly influence personal relationships, often leading to trust issues and anxiety.
Pop Culture
- Songs often reflect on themes of betrayal, with artists like Taylor Swift and Adele writing powerful lyrics about heartbreak and disappointment.
- Popular films, like 'The Godfather,' explore betrayal within families, showcasing how it can tear apart relationships that have deep historical ties.
Cultural References
- In various cultures, betrayal has been symbolically linked to different animals; for instance, snakes often represent deceit.
- Different societies have unique rituals around forgiveness after betrayal, highlighting humanity's need for reconciliation and healing.
Origin of 'betraying'
The word 'betraying' has its origin in Middle English, from the Old French word 'betraire', which means 'to betray'. The concept of betrayal has been a part of human history for centuries, often associated with themes of trust, loyalty, and deception. Throughout literature and real-life events, the act of betraying has been a common theme, leading to consequences that can be devastating for individuals and societies alike.
See also: betray, betrayal, betrayed, betrayer, betrayingly, betrayor.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,158, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17155 repurchase
- 17156 oscillatory
- 17157 antipathy
- 17158 betraying
- 17159 unattended
- 17160 formatting
- 17161 unsolicited
- ...