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

• 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

But even if the plant slowly returns to life, the sense of betrayal in South Korea – and a new wariness among companies there to invest in the US – may linger far longer. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Their relationship was serious again right off the bat, and Daniel was not speaking to his mom after her betrayal, but Laura arrived, uninvited, to their engagement party. —Julia Moore, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The story is a timeless novella of love, jealousy, betrayal and tragic death, traditionally set during 1847 colonial Spain. —Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025

Her Deandra operates through body language and subtext, exploring how a Black woman navigates revolutionary betrayal while protecting herself. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal