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Definition of betray
transitive verb
1 : to lead astray; especially : seduce a nation betrayed into violence a teenager betrayed by a much older man
2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery was betrayed to the authorities by one of his students betraying one's own country
3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need betrayed his family felt that she would be betraying her principles You've betrayed our trust.
4a : to reveal unintentionally betray one's true feelingsb : show, indicate His best columns betray … the philosophical bent of his mind. — John Mason Brownc : to disclose in violation of confidence betray a secret
intransitive verb
: to prove false
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Examples of betray in a Sentence
They betrayed their country by selling its secrets to other governments.
She is very loyal and would never betray a friend.
She betrayed her own people by supporting the enemy.
She coughed, betraying her presence behind the door.
Recent Examples of betray from the Web
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With all of today’s technology, knowledge and specialized training, Finnegan threw three innings before his arm betrayed him again.
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Neutrinos first betrayed their existence through an absence.
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Yet in practice, distrust abounds: Reportedly, some of its more senior members secretly covet the presidency and have previously betrayed each other.
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While, floral and fern prints betrayed Van Noten’s love of flowers.
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But seeking to exploit those assets while a journalist would betray readers' trust in a reporter's impartiality.
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Unlike Tiger Woods, whose body has betrayed him as much as his psyche, Novak doesn't appear to have a significant injury.
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Democrats will have plenty of disappointments to bring to their attention, including Republican health-care and tax-cut plans that betray the working-class voters who put Trump in the White House.
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The Cuban government rebuked those statements in a lengthy response Friday, writing that Trump's executive order betrays a double standard on human rights.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'betray'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of betray
Middle English, from be- + trayen to betray, from Anglo-French trahir, from Latin tradere — more at traitor
Synonym Discussion of betray
BETRAY Defined for English Language Learners
betray
playDefinition of betray for English Language Learners
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: to give information about (a person, group, country, etc.) to an enemy
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: to hurt (someone who trusts you, such as a friend or relative) by not giving help or by doing something morally wrong
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: to show (something, such as a feeling or desire) without wanting or trying to
BETRAY Defined for Kids
betray
playDefinition of betray for Students
betrayed
;betraying
1 : to give over to an enemy by treason or treachery betray a fort
2 : to be unfaithful to betray a friend betrayed our trust
3 : to reveal or show without meaning to betray fear
4 : to tell in violation of a trust betray a secret
Learn More about betray
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See words that rhyme with betray Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for betray Spanish Central: Translation of betray Nglish: Translation of betray for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of betray for Arabic speakers
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