Judas

noun

Ju·​das ˈjü-dəs 

1

a

: the apostle who in the Gospel accounts betrayed Jesus

b

: a son of James and one of the twelve apostles

2

: traitor

especially : one who betrays under the guise of friendship

3

not capitalized : peephole

called also judas hole, judas window

Synonyms

• apostate
• backstabber
• betrayer
• double-crosser
• double-dealer
• quisling
• recreant
• serpent
• snake
• traitor
• turncoat

Examples of Judas in a Sentence

He was called a Judas by the press.

she heatedly called her best friend a Judas after she found out her secrets had been spread all over town

Recent Examples on the Web

Schmidt is said to be possessed by four entities that announce themselves as Beelzebub, betraying disciple Judas, Schmidt's abusive father Jacob and Mina (Jacob's lover and Schmidt's aunt). —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 June 2025

There’s another aspect of the show that mirrors modern times: A seething anger so strong that in one bit Judas deliberately walks into Jesus. —Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025

More Entertainment: Fan-Favorite 'Schitt's Creek' Star Joins MCU The Tony Award winner will be taking on the role of Jesus Christ opposite Adam Lambert as Judas. —Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

This fall, Cooper will hit the road for a co-headlining tour with Judas Priest across 22 North American cities. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek Ioudas, from Hebrew Yĕhūdhāh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Judas

• Judas Iscariot
• Judas tree