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

His timbre is as much a betrayal as his taste for the carnal press of white and caramel skin. —Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024

Just like in personal relationships, sudden changes can lead to feelings of betrayal. —Salim Gheewalla, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

The removal of medals was condemned by Australian Special Air Service Assn. chair Martin Hamilton-Smith as a betrayal of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers in Afghanistan. —Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

Bernthal will play Jack Harper, the Sheriff’s Office detective who is married to Anna but the two are estranged, their relationship complicated by loss and betrayal. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal