Turncoat: meaning, definitions and examples

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turncoat

[ˈtɜrnˌkoʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

traitor

A person who deserts one party or cause in order to join an opposing one.

Synonyms

betrayor, renegade, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
turncoat	When someone switches sides or loyalties, typically in a political or military context. This word often carries a negative connotation. He was branded a turncoat for abandoning his party at their moment of need. In history, Julius Caesar was considered a turncoat by those who opposed his rise to power.
traitor	Refers to someone who betrays their country or group, often in a serious or harmful way. This term is highly negative and often associated with treason. The soldier was executed as a traitor for selling military secrets. Benedict Arnold is one of the most infamous traitors in American history.
betrayor	Used when someone breaks trust or reveals secrets, typically harming another person. It's universally negative. She felt deeply hurt when her best friend turned out to be a betrayor. The spy was a betrayor to his own country.
renegade	Applied to individuals who reject their group or traditions to forge their own path. It can be used both negatively and positively, depending on context. He was seen as a renegade for leaving the company to start his own business. The protagonist in the movie was a renegade who fought against the corrupt regime.

Examples of usage

He was branded a turncoat for switching sides during the war.
The politician was accused of being a turncoat for changing his stance on the issue.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

politics

A person who shifts allegiance or loyalty to another party or cause.

Synonyms

defector, renegade, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
turncoat	Used to describe someone who switches allegiance or sides, often unexpected and seen as disloyal. He was branded a turncoat after joining the opposition party. The villagers viewed him as a turncoat for collaborating with the invaders.
defector	A term often used in political or military contexts to describe someone who abandons their country or group for an opposing one. The defector provided valuable intelligence to the enemy. She became a defector when she moved to the rival company with sensitive information.
renegade	Describes someone who has rejected or abandoned their beliefs or affiliations, often acting independently and rebelliously. Can be seen with both positive and negative connotations depending on the situation. The renegade scientist refused to follow the established norms. He became a renegade, fighting against his former comrades.
traitor	Primarily used to describe someone who is extremely disloyal, particularly within a context where there is a significant expectation of loyalty like a country or close-knit group. Has a very negative connotation. He was executed as a traitor for collaborating with the enemy. Anyone caught leaking information was immediately labeled a traitor.

Examples of usage

The turncoat politician faced backlash for defecting to the opposition party.
She was labeled a turncoat for breaking away from her party and forming a new coalition.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'turncoat' comes from the practice of wearing a coat that could be turned inside out to show loyalty to a different side.
It was first recorded in England during the 16th century, symbolizing someone who changes their allegiance during conflicts.

Historical Context

Many individuals labeled as turncoats throughout history were those who switched alliances during wars, affecting the outcomes of battles.
During the American Revolutionary War, several loyalists were branded as turncoats when they sided with the British against the colonists.

Pop Culture

The term often appears in movies and books, representing betrayal, such as in spy dramas where characters might switch loyalties.
Famous movies like 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' explore themes of betrayal and loyalty, featuring characters that might be called turncoats.

Psychology

Studies show that betrayal can create strong feelings of anger and sadness in those who feel wronged by a turncoat.
The concept of a turncoat can illustrate the complexities of human relationships and the choices between personal gain and loyalty.

Literature

In classic literature, betrayal is often a key theme, with characters labeled as turncoats, creating tension and drama.
Shakespeare’s plays frequently feature characters who switch allegiances, reflecting the turncoat's moral dilemmas.

Translations

Translations of the word "turncoat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traidor

🇮🇳 दगाबाज़

🇩🇪 Verräter

🇮🇩 pengkhianat

🇺🇦 зрадник

🇵🇱 zdrajca

🇯🇵 裏切り者 (uragirimono)

🇫🇷 traître

🇪🇸 traidor

🇹🇷 hain

🇰🇷 배신자 (baesinja)

🇸🇦 خائن

🇨🇿 zrádce

🇸🇰 zradca

🇨🇳 叛徒 (pàntú)

🇸🇮 izdajalec

🇮🇸 svikari

🇰🇿 сатқын

🇬🇪 მოღალატე

🇦🇿 xəyanətkar

🇲🇽 traidor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,018, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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