double-cross

1 of 2

verb

dou·​ble-cross ˌdə-bəl-ˈkrȯs 

double-crossed; double-crossing; double-crosses

transitive verb

: to deceive by double-dealing : betray

double-crosser noun

double cross

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: an act of winning or trying to win a fight or match after agreeing to lose it

b

: an act of betraying or cheating an associate

2

: a cross between first-generation hybrids of four separate inbred lines (as in the production of hybrid seed corn)

Synonyms

Verb

• backstab
• betray
• cross
• sell (out)
• two-time

Noun

• backstabbing
• betrayal
• business
• disloyalty
• faithlessness
• falseness
• falsity
• infidelity
• perfidy
• sellout
• treachery
• treason
• two-timing
• unfaithfulness

Examples of double-cross in a Sentence

Verb

she promised to share the profits but then double-crossed us

Noun

politics is full of double crosses and backbiting

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Jeffrey will reveal the double-crossing FBI agent’s identity provided he’s given protection after Beatrix is in custody. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 May 2025

This is the second view of political leadership: double-cross, cheat, bully, cajole, break the conventions and rules – do whatever works! —John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025

Noun

At an undisclosed rendezvous point, a different double cross is in the works. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 1 June 2025

Back towards the control room, In-ho finally reveals his true nature and double crosses the players who followed him to battle. —Esther Kang, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for double-cross

• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• blas

Kids Definition

double cross

noun

: an act of betraying or cheating especially an associate

double-cross

ˌdəb-əl-ˈkrȯs

verb

double-crosser noun