betrayed

adjective

be·​trayed bi-ˈtrād How to pronounce betrayed (audio)
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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'betrayed.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of betrayed was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near betrayed

Cite this Entry

“Betrayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayed. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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