betray

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

• • divine will as revealed in sacred writings

disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

• • candidates must disclose their financial assets

divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

• • refused to divulge an anonymous source

tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

• • told them what he had overheard

betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

• • a blush that betrayed her embarrassment