Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Traitor: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
Add to dictionary

traitor

[หˆtreษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

A person who betrays a country, group, or person by helping an enemy or committing treason.

Synonyms

betrayer, double-crosser, turncoat.

Examples of usage

  • He was branded a traitor for leaking classified information to a foreign government.
  • The spy was revealed to be a traitor working for the enemy.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who is disloyal or unfaithful to a particular cause or belief.

Synonyms

apostate, defector, renegade.

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as a traitor by his friends for abandoning their shared values.
  • The company considered him a traitor for selling confidential information to a competitor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'traditor,' meaning 'one who hands over,' highlighting betrayal.
  • Originally used in the context of religious betrayals, the term expanded to political and personal contexts over time.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, figures labeled as traitors faced severe consequences, like execution, reflecting the weight of betrayal.
  • Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 B.C. is one of the most famous betrayals, with Brutus seen as a traitor in many accounts.

Politics

  • Accusations of treachery often arise during wartime, impacting political landscapes and public perceptions.
  • The concept has been used to suppress dissent, labeling opponents as traitors to justify repression.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters like Iago from 'Othello' exemplify betrayal, showcasing the psychological depths of treachery.
  • Many classic novels explore the theme of betrayal, illustrating its complexity and emotional weight.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often portray traitors as morally gray characters, emphasizing their motivations and internal conflicts.
  • Famous examples include characters in spy thrillers who switch allegiances, adding suspense to the story.

Translations

Change language
 

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,808, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.