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 of betrayal

• treachery
• treason

Examples of betrayal in a Sentence

the terrible betrayal of having her best friend reveal her confidences to others

Recent Examples on the Web

For Ukraine, this entire episode may seem like yet another bitter, existential betrayal by an American leader who has at times acknowledged a begrudging respect for Kyiv’s bold military tactics. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

As the formidable duo fights for the throne of Norway, the land is ripped apart by rivalries, loyalties and betrayals. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Based on a true story, the film follows a young woman whose romance with a married man sets off a dangerous chain of obsession, jealousy and betrayal. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Advertisement Artificial is a story of unchained ambitions and betrayals, with its Altman an unqualified villain. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal