betrayal

noun

be·​tray·​al bi-ˈtrā(-ə)l How to pronounce betrayal (audio)
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

Examples of betrayal in a Sentence

the terrible betrayal of having her best friend reveal her confidences to others
Recent Examples on the Web After that opener, the album is a litany of scenarios that play up guilt, betrayal, anxiety, resilience, and everything else that reduces interpersonal workings into a high-stakes chess match. Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024 For these cheaters, their betrayal was not seen as a conscious choice, but rather as an instinctual drive. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 Throughout the rest of the movie, Donald demonstrates his mastery of these methods in a relentless and brazen series of betrayals, disloyalties, cruelties. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024 Elaborate subplots in his first two also uncover a history of betrayals, political and cultural as well as personal, that are far more consequential than mere bedroom infidelities. Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for betrayal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'betrayal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betrayal was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near betrayal

Cite this Entry

“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on betrayal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!