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Turncoats Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turncoats

[ˈtəːnkəʊt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

traitorous individuals

Turncoats are people who betray their friends, colleagues, or country by switching their loyalty or allegiance to the other side. They are often viewed with contempt and distrust by those around them.

Synonyms

betrayer, defector, traitor.

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Word Description / Examples
traitor

A very strong and negative term used to describe someone who betrays their country, organization, or trust. It is often associated with a serious breach of loyalty and carries a heavy stigma.

  • He was executed as a traitor for providing aid to the enemy during the war.
  • Many of his former allies now consider him a traitor.
betrayer

A more general term for someone who betrays trust or a cause. This word often involves a personal relationship or agreement and has a strongly negative connotation.

  • She felt like a betrayer for revealing her friend's secrets.
  • He was labeled a betrayer after selling the company's confidential information to a competitor.
defector

This term is commonly used to describe someone who abandons a country or organization, often to join an opposing one. It is frequently used in political or military contexts and might not always have a personal betrayal element.

  • The high-profile defector sought asylum in the neighboring country.
  • After years of service, the defector provided valuable intelligence to the enemy.

Examples of usage

  • He was labeled a turncoat after he revealed sensitive information to the enemy.
  • The group was infiltrated by turncoats who leaked their plans to the authorities.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

In politics, turncoats are politicians who change their party affiliation or beliefs for personal gain or political advantage. They are often seen as opportunistic and untrustworthy.

Synonyms

backstabber, defector, renegade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defector

This word is used when someone abandons their duty, allegiance, or position, especially in a political or military context, to join an opposing side.

  • The defector provided valuable intelligence to the rival nation
renegade

This term is often used for someone who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles. However, it can also be used less negatively to describe someone who rebels against conventional norms or rules.

  • The renegade officer refused to follow unethical orders from his superiors
backstabber

This term is used for someone who betrays another person in a very personal and often secretive manner. It implies a more personal relationship and betrayal. Strong negative connotation.

  • She thought they were friends, but he turned out to be a backstabber who spread rumors about her

Examples of usage

  • The senator was accused of being a turncoat when he switched parties right before the election.
  • The voters were disillusioned by the turncoat behavior of their representative.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During the American Revolutionary War, some colonists who remained loyal to British rule were branded as turncoats by their fellow colonists.
  • In WWII, many individuals who switched loyalties were often seen as traitors, causing divisions within communities and even families.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', the character Brutus is debated as a turncoat for switching his loyalty from Caesar to the conspirators.
  • Turncoat themes frequently appear in literature, where characters face moral dilemmas about loyalty and betrayal.

Pop Culture

  • In contemporary media, turncoat characters often serve as plot twists, such as in movies or series where one hero is revealed to be the villain.
  • The TV show 'Game of Thrones' is filled with turncoats, showcasing the complexity of loyalty in power struggles.

Psychology

  • Betrayal can lead to intense feelings of anger and distrust among peers, impacting relationships and community dynamics.
  • Research indicates that people labeled as turncoats often face social repercussions, including ostracism or hostility from the group they left.

Origin of 'turncoats'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'turncoat' comes from the 16th century, originally referring to someone who would literally turn their coat inside out to hide their true allegiance.
  • The word is often associated with the English Civil War, where those who defected from one side to the opponent were labeled as turncoats.

The term 'turncoat' originated in the 16th century and was originally used to refer to a person who changed sides in a conflict or war. The word 'turn' implies a sudden or unexpected change, while 'coat' suggests a change in outward appearance or allegiance. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who betrays trust or loyalty. The concept of betrayal and loyalty has been a recurring theme in human history, and turncoats have been both vilified and romanticized in literature, politics, and popular culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,836, 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.