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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Personal and political relationships are pushed to the breaking point in season 3 of The Diplomat — ending with a betrayal that could lead to war. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 By that measure, Sheinbaum should be reminded that sending cheap oil to the decrepit Cuban regime and snubbing the Summit of the Americas in solidarity with the region’s most brutal dictatorships is a betrayal of Mexico’s constitutional commitment to human rights. Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 Still, even then, the disclosing friend may become a painful reminder of the betrayal. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 The series explores the trauma, betrayal, and moral conflicts of characters pushed to the edge. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for betrayal

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betrayal was in 1788

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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!