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
The double life of an informant is a peculiar one, filled at the same time with tedium and betrayal.—Karen Richardson
Even 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
2
: revelation of something hidden or secret
a betrayal of one's true feelings
There was never doubt, never a betrayal of indecision.—Jack London
… she had shrunk with irresistible dread from every course that could tend towards a betrayal of her miserable secret.—George Eliot
Cite this Entry
“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrayal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
