betrayed

adjective

be·​trayed bi-ˈtrād 

bē-

: treacherously abandoned, deserted, or mistreated

a betrayed spouse

Despite dozens of letters and phone calls to management, few answers were forthcoming. Employees felt betrayed.

—Jeffrey Goodell

This time, it's betrayed head bangers mourning the latest self-titled long CD album by Metallica …

—Playboy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the plan became public last month, Lassley sold his Mt. Aire home, according to several homeowners who now feel betrayed and fearful for the canyon’s future should the mine win approval. —Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 20 Dec. 2021

The clear implication is that the more AVs are marketed as safe, the more betrayed people may feel when the cars occasionally—and inevitably—fail to achieve that goal. —Iyad Rahwan, WSJ, 6 Apr. 2021

Ithaca Police Benevolent Association Thomas Condzella has written that officers feel betrayed and angry. —Michael Hill, Star Tribune, 25 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above