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betray

be disloyal / break trust / reveal unintentionally / fail
Transitive Verb
past: betrayedpp: betrayeding: betraying

This word carries a heavy emotional weight, typically associated with a profound breach of trust or a moral failure. It describes a sharp transition from loyalty to enmity, evoking feelings of shock, grief, or indignation. In interpersonal contexts, it implies a violation of a sacred bond or a private confidence. When used to describe an unintentional revelation, the word shifts from a moral judgment to a descriptive observation. It suggests a lack of control where the body or subconscious exposes a hidden truth that the conscious mind intended to conceal, creating a tension between appearance and reality.

Meanings

Transitive Verb
[~ someone]

To be disloyal to a person, country, or organization by revealing secret information or helping an enemy.

"He betrayed his country by selling state secrets to a foreign agent."

Transitive Verb
[~ someone]

To break a promise, trust, or confidence given by someone.

"She felt that her best friend had betrayed her by telling everyone about the secret."

Transitive Verb
[~ something]

To reveal something unintentionally or inadvertently through one's behavior or appearance.

"His trembling hands betrayed his nervousness during the interview."

Transitive Verb
[~ something]

To fail to guard or protect something, often resulting in a loss or failure.

"The old bridge betrayed them when it collapsed under the weight of the truck."

Related Words

Last Updated: June 13, 2026Report an Error