betray
bih-TRAY
/bɪˈtreɪ/
To expose one's country, group, or a person to danger by treacherously giving information to an enemy; to fail or be disloyal to.
Implies a deep breach of trust that causes emotional pain or physical harm.
The story behind the word. From the Middle English 'betraien', which combines the English prefix 'be-' (thoroughly) with the Latin root 'tradere' (to hand over). It shares an origin with 'traitor' and 'tradition' (which is the 'handing over' of customs).
Word relationships
- double-cross: Double-cross is an informal term specifically implying deceiving someone after making an agreement, while betray is broader and more emotional.
- reveal: Reveal means to make known, while betraying a secret emphasizes the violation of trust involved in that revelation.
- protect: Protect means to keep safe from harm or exposure.
- defend: Defend means to speak or act in support of someone, especially when they are criticized or attacked.
Commonly confused with
- portray: Betray means to break trust, while portray means to represent or depict someone in a painting, book, or film.
Word family
- betrayal (noun): The action of betraying one's country, a group, or a person.
- betrayer (noun): A person who betrays.
Collocations
- betray a trust
- betray a country
- betray emotions
Idioms & expressions
- stab in the back
- sell down the river
Example sentences
- "Benedict Arnold conspired to betray West Point to the British during the American Revolution." A dramatic historical betrayal.
- "His shaking hands began to betray his extreme nervousness." Unintentional physical revelation.
Memory hook
Think of a 'TRAItor' who will 'be-TRAY' you. be-TRAY: A TRAItor will be-TRAY you by handing over secrets on a TRAY.
When not to use
Do not use for minor, accidental slip-ups unless they result in a significant breach of confidence.
Fun facts
- In Dante's 'Inferno', the lowest circle of Hell is reserved for those who commit acts of betrayal, with Judas Iscariot and Brutus being punished there.
Explore more words
treachery, perfidious, treacherous, traduce, treason, backbite
Also appears in
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