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

The past year’s paltry outcome will surely cast a shadow over relations between developed and undeveloped countries, the most imperiled of which view the weak finance deal as a betrayal of trust. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024

Although animated, Boyens emphasizes that the film quickly immerses audiences into a familiar world, exploring themes of honor, family, and loyalty alongside betrayal, jealousy, and obsession – all hallmarks of Tolkien’s storytelling. —Rochelle Beighton, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Most of the episode is the lead-up to Christmas Day — Tony reflects on Pussy’s betrayal, trying to pinpoint the moment when the FBI might have flipped him. —Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

As Cooper explains, the public's frustration is rooted in a profound sense of betrayal. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal