noun

rat

rat, traitor, informer

A large rat ran across the floor.

A large rat ran across the floor.

He was a rat who sold secrets to the enemy.

He was a rat who sold secrets to the enemy.

a rat (animal) A large rat ran across the floor.

a rat (traitor) He was a rat who sold secrets to the enemy.

Synonyms: (animal) mouse; (person) traitor, informer, snitch

From Old English 'ræt', of Germanic origin.

Think of the animal's reputation for being sneaky, which connects to the meaning of 'traitor'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.