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

• 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

But what seems like a windfall quickly spirals into a chain of betrayal, junkyard standoffs and escalating violence. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025

That story line’s villains and betrayals are predictable in a way Mare never was, with characters who are either paper thin or overloaded with quirks. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

The camera cuts between Dennis, who’s sobbing, and Roman, who’s horrified, processing Dennis’ betrayal. —Barry Levitt, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

But for students who have spent years—and significant financial sums—on their education, struggling to land one's first job may feel like a betrayal. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing betrayal

• self-betrayal

Rhymes for betrayal

• portrayal