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Traitorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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traitorous

[หˆtreษชtษ™rษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a betrayal context

Having the characteristic of betraying someone or something; disloyal.

Synonyms

disloyal, faithless, treacherous, unfaithful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traitorous

Used to describe severe acts of betrayal, often related to political or national loyalty.

  • The double agent's traitorous actions endangered many lives
  • His traitorous dealings were discovered by the authorities
treacherous

Describes situations or people who are dangerously deceptive and untrustworthy.

  • The treacherous mountain path was not for beginners
  • His treacherous plot to overthrow the leader was exposed
disloyal

Applied to personal relationships, organizations, or countries where there is a lack of loyalty.

  • He was disloyal to his teammates by sharing their strategy with the opposition
  • Her disloyal behavior hurt their marriage
faithless

Typically used in the context of relationships, suggesting a lack of faith and reliability.

  • She felt betrayed by his faithless promises
  • His faithless nature meant he could never truly commit
unfaithful

Most commonly used in romantic relationships to denote infidelity.

  • She discovered he had been unfaithful throughout their marriage
  • Being unfaithful broke her trust completely

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being a traitorous spy.
  • The traitorous act shook the foundation of the organization.
  • Her traitorous behavior was unexpected.
  • The traitorous betrayal left a deep wound.
  • The traitorous plot was uncovered just in time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Throughout history, many infamous figures have been labeled as traitorous, like Robert Ford, who killed Jesse James.
  • The charge of treason has led to severe punishments, including execution, in many countries' legal systems.
  • World War II saw governments label defectors as traitorous, raising discussions about loyalty versus personal beliefs.

Psychology

  • Betrayal can significantly affect relationships, often leading to a deep sense of mistrust and trauma.
  • Psychological studies show that people often feel more hurt by betrayal than a lost friendship due to the loss of trust.
  • Understanding why someone acts traitorously can stem from motivations like fear, ambition, or ideological conflicts.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often feature traitorous characters whose actions lead to dramatic plot twists, like Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series.
  • In popular music, themes of betrayal resonate, with many artists expressing their feelings of treachery through heartfelt lyrics.
  • TV shows often depict traitors in action-packed scenarios, highlighting the tension between loyalty and deception.

Literature

  • Shakespearean plays often explore themes of treachery, such as in 'Julius Caesar' where Brutus is seen as a traitor despite noble intentions.
  • Dostoevsky's novels frequently delve into the psychology of betrayal, portraying characters wrestling with their disloyal actions.
  • In classical literature, mystical powers or consequences often befall characters who act traitorously, reflecting moral lessons.

Origin of 'traitorous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'tradere', meaning to hand over or betray.
  • The first known use in English was in the late 14th century, and it has evolved to apply broadly to treachery.
  • Related words include 'trader', which also comes from 'tradere', showing how betrayal stems from trust.

The word 'traitorous' has its origins in the Middle English word 'traitour,' which came from the Old French 'traitor,' meaning 'betraying.' The concept of betrayal has been prevalent throughout history, often associated with acts of disloyalty and treachery. The word has been used to describe individuals, actions, and situations that involve betrayal or disloyalty.

See also: traitorously, traitors.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,497, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.