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

Blasting his policies as a betrayal of the nation’s founding principles, the former vice president warned of a looming constitutional crisis. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

The top Senate Democrat's support for the bill moving forward, in which he was joined by nine other members of the chamber's Democratic Caucus, prevented a government shutdown, but was seen by many in his party as a betrayal. —Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025

During each of the tests, relationships will grow, betrayals will cut deep, and more and more contestants will be eliminated. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 May 2025

This is often difficult for their children, particularly adult children, who may see moving on with another as possible betrayal of their deceased parent. —Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal