Definition of betray
transitive verb
1 : to lead astray; especially : seduce a nation betrayed into violence a teenager betrayed by a much older man
2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery was betrayed to the authorities by one of his students betraying one's own country
3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need betrayed his family felt that she would be betraying her principles You've betrayed our trust.
4a : to reveal unintentionally betray one's true feelingsb : show, indicate His best columns betray … the philosophical bent of his mind. — John Mason Brownc : to disclose in violation of confidence betray a secret
intransitive verb
: to prove false
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Examples of betray in a Sentence
They betrayed their country by selling its secrets to other governments.
She is very loyal and would never betray a friend.
She betrayed her own people by supporting the enemy.
She coughed, betraying her presence behind the door.
Origin and Etymology of betray
Middle English, from be- + trayen to betray, from Anglo-French trahir, from Latin tradere — more at traitor
First Known Use: 13th century
Synonym Discussion of betray
BETRAY Defined for English Language Learners
betray
playDefinition of betray for English Language Learners
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: to give information about (a person, group, country, etc.) to an enemy
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: to hurt (someone who trusts you, such as a friend or relative) by not giving help or by doing something morally wrong
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: to show (something, such as a feeling or desire) without wanting or trying to
BETRAY Defined for Kids
betray
playDefinition of betray for Students
betrayed
;betraying
1 : to give over to an enemy by treason or treachery betray a fort
2 : to be unfaithful to betray a friend betrayed our trust
3 : to reveal or show without meaning to betray fear
4 : to tell in violation of a trust betray a secret
Learn More about betray
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See words that rhyme with betray Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for betray Spanish Central: Translation of betray Nglish: Translation of betray for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of betray for Arabic speakers
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