betrayal

noun

be·​tray·​al bi-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

bē-

plural betrayals

1

: the act of betraying someone or something or the fact of being betrayed : violation of a person's trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc.

the betrayal of a friend

a betrayal of trust

a betrayal of one's principles

A man who built his entire administration upon demanding unctuous loyalty from his allies now finds himself wounded by their shabby betrayal.

—Jack Hitt

The double life of an informant is a peculiar one, filled at the same time with tedium and betrayal.

—Karen Richardson

Even Jesus recognized that there was something paradoxical about his betrayal by Judas Iscariot—in three of the four canonical Gospels, with a kiss.

—David Gates

2

: revelation of something hidden or secret

a betrayal of one's true feelings

There was never doubt, never a betrayal of indecision.

—Jack London

… she had shrunk with irresistible dread from every course that could tend towards a betrayal of her miserable secret.

—George Eliot

Synonyms

• backstabbing
• business
• disloyalty
• double cross
• faithlessness
• falseness
• falsity
• infidelity
• perfidy
• sellout
• treachery
• treason
• two-timing
• unfaithfulness

Examples of betrayal in a Sentence

the terrible betrayal of having her best friend reveal her confidences to others

Recent Examples on the Web

This season’s storyline guarantees a symphony of intrigue, betrayal, and unrelenting ambition as Madam fights tooth and nail to safeguard her empire and exact her revenge. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

This was especially a betrayal of Arab and Muslim American voters who arguably gave Biden his slim 2020 margin of victory in crucial states such as Michigan. —Caise D. Hassan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024

In this particular case, Agatha’s journey is marked by betrayal and emotional pain that stems back to her upbringing and childhood. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Milioti’s character on HBO’s The Penguin, Sofia Falcone, just finished gassing most of the key players within her mobster family’s underworld dynasty in their sleep as retribution for years of betrayals. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal