treason

trea·son | \ ˈtrē-zᵊn

Definition of treason

1 : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family

2 : the betrayal of a trust : treachery

Other Words from treason Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about treason

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of treason in a Sentence

He is guilty of treason. reading a friend's diary without permission would have to be regarded as the ultimate act of personal treason

Recent Examples on the Web The court had ruled that her husband, Omoyele Sowore, should be free on bail while awaiting trial on charges of treason, money laundering and, for criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari on television, cyberstalking. — Ruth Maclean, New York Times, "Nigeria Cracks Down on a Critic, and a New Jersey Town Pushes Back," 22 Dec. 2019 When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers. — David Remnick, The New Yorker, "Trump’s Impeachment and “Impeachment Lite”," 19 Dec. 2019 When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus he opportunity to face his accusers. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "Watching President Donald Trump's impeachment was weird, wild and historic TV," 18 Dec. 2019 There is no appetite for trying to impeach Trump on grounds of treason, the third specific act listed in the Constitution’s definition of impeachable offenses, according to people familiar with the plans. — BostonGlobe.com, "WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that Democrats will begin drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump, setting up a constitutional clash that Trump now says he embraces and is eager to frame on his terms when it moves to an expected Senate trial next month.," 6 Dec. 2019 If found guilty of treason, Jalingo could face a life sentence in prison. — Time Staff, Time, "Here Are the 10 'Most Urgent' Cases of Threats to Press Freedom Around the World," 1 Nov. 2019 Trump has suggested that Schiff should be arrested for treason. — Anthony Man, sun-sentinel.com, "In Florida, Nancy Pelosi says Trump ‘has confessed’ to violating his oath of office," 3 Oct. 2019 Prosecutors have arrested six people who face charges of treason, attempted murder and terrorism. — Scott Smith, The Seattle Times, "Venezuela president ties opposition leader to drone attack," 7 Aug. 2018 Trump has also accused law enforcement and intelligence officials of treason. — Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY, "Justice Department praises watchdog's upcoming report on Russia inquiry amid reported criticism by Attorney General Barr," 3 Dec. 2019

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about treason

Dictionary Entries near treason

Statistics for treason

Last Updated

5 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Treason.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treason. Accessed 22 January 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for treason

treason

noun

English Language Learners Definition of treason

: the crime of trying to overthrow your country's government or of helping your country's enemies during war

See the full definition for treason in the English Language Learners Dictionary

treason

noun

trea·son | \ ˈtrē-zᵊn

Kids Definition of treason

: the crime of trying or helping to overthrow the government of the criminal's own country or cause its defeat in war

treason

noun

trea·son | \ ˈtrēz-ᵊn

Legal Definition of treason

: the offense of attempting to overthrow the government of one's country or of assisting its enemies in war specifically : the act of levying war against the United States or adhering to or giving aid and comfort to its enemies by one who owes it allegiance