Turncoat: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.