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

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a member of the opposition Liberal party, whose mother arrived in Australia as a refugee from the Holocaust, channeled deep feelings of betrayal in a speech at the memorial. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025

Survivor is a game of betrayal. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Dec. 2025

Compared with other kinds of traumas, betrayal traumas are linked to more severe psychological and physical health problems. —Anne P. Deprince, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi revealed this week that his players are battling emotions of betrayal and anger ahead of their bowl game appearance in the wake of the scandal involving former coach Sherrone Moore. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal