betrayal

noun

be·​tray·​al bi-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce betrayal (audio)
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

Examples of betrayal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s love and there’s betrayal, but there isn’t a great crime. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 With three storylines involving intricate alliances and betrayals, Shōgun demands that its audience pay close attention. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2024 What follows is a sweeping story of love, desire, betrayal, divided loyalties and jaw-dropping plot twists. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 William Shakespeare’s Hamlet FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2024 July 12-September 1, 2024 While grappling with the grief of his father’s murder, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and impending war. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 In this second stage, feelings of betrayal, resentment and injustice towards the ex-partner or yourself may surface. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The Diamond Bazaar is an epic saga of love, power, betrayal, struggle and, ultimately, freedom. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 The president's latest betrayal of the working class is costly, irresponsible, unconstitutional, and ineffective. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 24 Feb. 2024 The brazen coup attempt that took the life of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse holds all the elements of a three-act Shakespearean tragedy: plots and subplots, ambition and betrayal, gore and death, all ensnaring the circle of people closest to him, including his wife. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'betrayal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betrayal was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near betrayal

Cite this Entry

“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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