verb

betray

to betray, to be disloyal to, to reveal

He would never betray his country.

He would never betray his country.

She betrayed his trust by telling his secret.

She betrayed his trust by telling his secret.

His smile betrayed his true feelings.

His smile betrayed his true feelings.

((sb./sth.)) to be disloyal to (sb./sth.) He would never betray his country.

((sth.)) to reveal (sth.) unintentionally His smile betrayed his true feelings.

Synonyms: deceive, double-cross, sell out; Antonyms: protect, support, defend

From Old French 'trair' (hand over), from Latin 'tradere' (to hand over). The prefix 'be-' intensifies the action.

Think 'be-tray', as if someone puts your trust on a tray and hands it over to the enemy.

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