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

King Charles, despite wanting reconciliation, is likely to weigh the fallout from another public betrayal by Harry as too high-risk at this juncture. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

With the competing alliances at a 3-3 standoff, two other advantages were played at the tribal council, but to no avail, thanks to some good ole betrayal. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Lily Allen has already told a cinema-worthy story of love’s betrayal and the heartbreak left in its wake on her new West End Girl album. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2025

Now, the betrayal reportedly has the first lady considering next steps. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal