Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences that anyone can go through. It is a breach of trust that can leave a person feeling hurt, angry, and confused. Betrayal can come in many different forms, from cheating on a partner to revealing a friend’s secret. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the word “betray.”
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, betray means “to deliver to an enemy by treachery.” It can also mean “to fail or desert especially in time of need” or “to reveal unintentionally.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines betray as “to be disloyal to, to deceive, or to reveal confidential information.”
Origin
The word “betray” comes from the Old French word “trair,” which means “to betray.” It was first used in English in the 13th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions provided by Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, other dictionaries also provide definitions of the word “betray.” For example, the Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as “to not be loyal to your country or a person, often by doing something harmful such as helping their enemies.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “to reveal secrets or information that should be kept secret, especially to an enemy.”
Associations
Betrayal is often associated with feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal. It can also be associated with feelings of shame and guilt for the person who has betrayed someone else. Betrayal can damage relationships and cause long-term emotional pain.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of betray include deceive, cheat, double-cross, and sell out.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of betray include support, defend, protect, and stand by.
The same root words
The word “betray” comes from the Old French word “trair,” which is related to the Latin word “tradere,” which means “to hand over.” This same root word is also found in other English words, such as “tradition” and “trade.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word “betray”:
- He felt betrayed by his best friend when he found out that he had been spreading rumors about him.
- The spy was accused of betraying his country by giving away classified information to the enemy.
- She felt like she had betrayed her family by dropping out of college and pursuing a career in the arts.
- The politician was criticized for betraying his campaign promises and not following through on his commitments.
- The company was accused of betraying its customers by selling them faulty products.