betrayal
noun
be·tray·al
bi-ˈtrā(-ə)l 
bē-
plural betrayals
1
: the act of betraying someone or something or the fact of being betrayed : violation of a person's trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc.
the betrayal of a friend
a betrayal of trust
a betrayal of one's principles
A man who built his entire administration upon demanding unctuous loyalty from his allies now finds himself wounded by their shabby betrayal.—
Jack Hitt
Jack HittThe double life of an informant is a peculiar one, filled at the same time with tedium and betrayal.—Karen Richardson
Karen RichardsonEven Jesus recognized that there was something paradoxical about his betrayal by Judas Iscariot—in three of the four canonical Gospels, with a kiss.—David Gates
David Gates2
: revelation of something hidden or secret
a betrayal of one's true feelings
There was never doubt, never a betrayal of indecision.—Jack London
Jack London… she had shrunk with irresistible dread from every course that could tend towards a betrayal of her miserable secret.—George Eliot
George Eliot
Synonyms
Examples of betrayal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Barrera’s supporters on social media saw Campbell’s return as a betrayal.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Mar. 2024
But the legislation was assailed by members of the House Freedom Caucus, the far-right bloc that has bedeviled its own party’s speakers for years, as a betrayal by Mr. Johnson, for both its content and the way it was handled.
—Carl Hulse, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
Cheating on one’s spouse may be a betrayal of the heart, but in New York State, it’s long been a criminal offense.
—Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024
Kevin Hart plays a master thief undertaking a daring heist to steal $500 million in gold from a plane, while simultaneously navigating a complex plot involving terrorists and betrayal at high altitudes.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
—Carson Burton, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024
For Jin, Ye’s betrayal of humanity is personal because of their relationship, which is addressed briefly in the series.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024
What are some things that happened that inspired the theme of betrayal?
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2024
The bill passed with 352 votes, but to the legions of TikTokers who called their representatives to urge them not to ban the app, Jackson’s vote feels like a unique betrayal.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2024
Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Mar. 2024
But the legislation was assailed by members of the House Freedom Caucus, the far-right bloc that has bedeviled its own party’s speakers for years, as a betrayal by Mr. Johnson, for both its content and the way it was handled.
—Carl Hulse, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
Cheating on one’s spouse may be a betrayal of the heart, but in New York State, it’s long been a criminal offense.
—Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024
Kevin Hart plays a master thief undertaking a daring heist to steal $500 million in gold from a plane, while simultaneously navigating a complex plot involving terrorists and betrayal at high altitudes.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
—Carson Burton, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024
For Jin, Ye’s betrayal of humanity is personal because of their relationship, which is addressed briefly in the series.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024
What are some things that happened that inspired the theme of betrayal?
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2024
The bill passed with 352 votes, but to the legions of TikTokers who called their representatives to urge them not to ban the app, Jackson’s vote feels like a unique betrayal.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'betrayal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing betrayal
Dictionary Entries Near betrayal
Cite this Entry
“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on betrayal
Nglish: Translation of betrayal for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of betrayal for Arabic Speakers
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