Judas

noun

Ju·​das ˈjü-dəs 

1

a

: the apostle who in the Gospel accounts betrayed Jesus

b

: a son of James and one of the twelve apostles

2

: traitor

especially : one who betrays under the guise of friendship

3

not capitalized : peephole

called also judas hole, judas window

Synonyms

• traitor

Examples of Judas in a Sentence

He was called a Judas by the press.

she heatedly called her best friend a Judas after she found out her secrets had been spread all over town

Recent Examples on the Web

Osbourne’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes across the rock and metal world, with artists including Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Judas Priest reflecting on his immeasurable impact. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 July 2025

The release of the single will coincide with the opening date of a three-night production at the Hollywood Bowl that stars Lambert as Judas Iscariot. —Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2025

On Space Brain, his adventurous left-turn album out now on Lighting Rod Records, Williams pays homage to that music by covering the songs of bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, Judas Priest, and Cinderella. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025

Campbell was branded ‘Judas’ and is still not forgiven in Spurs circles. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek Ioudas, from Hebrew Yĕhūdhāh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Judas

• Judas Iscariot
• Judas tree