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

Some other names that have also not been allowed in Germany include Satan, Judas, Lenin, Gucci, McDonald, Bierstübl (which translates to pub), Vaginia, Whiskey, Excalibur, and Pain. Germany isn't unique in prohibiting certain baby names. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025

The artists in the new wave of British heavy metal, like Judas Priest, ended up with their sound softened and a little bit more commercial. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025

Searching for the apparent Judas in her midst, all Juliette finds is a bloody trail from Solo’s post to an upper level. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 Dec. 2024

He can also be seen in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, as well as Judas and the Black Messiah and Love, Simon. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

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