Betraying: meaning, definitions and examples

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betraying

[bɪˈtreɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. She felt hurt by him betraying her trust His actions were seen as betraying his team
cheat	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
double-cross	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
backstab	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

Examples of usage

He felt betrayed by his best friend.
She was accused of betraying her country.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

trust

to reveal secrets or information to an enemy

Synonyms

disclose, reveal, uncover.

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

Examples of usage

The spy was accused of betraying national security.
She was arrested for betraying classified information.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

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. She felt like he was betraying her trust by sharing her secrets. The spy was caught betraying his country.
let down	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.
disappoint	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.
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. He failed the math test despite studying hard. The company failed to meet its sales targets.

Examples of usage

He felt like he was betraying his family by moving away.
She couldn't bear the thought of betraying her friend.

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 person’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "betraying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traindo

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 verraten

🇮🇩 mengkhianati

🇺🇦 зраджувати

🇵🇱 zdradzanie

🇯🇵 裏切る (uragiru)

🇫🇷 trahir

🇪🇸 traicionando

🇹🇷 ihanet etmek

🇰🇷 배신하다 (baesinhada)

🇸🇦 خيانة

🇨🇿 zrazování

🇸🇰 zrádzať

🇨🇳 背叛 (bèipàn)

🇸🇮 izdajanje

🇮🇸 svíkja

🇰🇿 сатқындық

🇬🇪 ღალატი

🇦🇿 xəyanət etmək

🇲🇽 traicionando

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
...