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Definition of betrayal

betrayal

/bɪˈtreɪ.əl/
be · tray · al
Plural:betrayals
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betrayal Lexical Profile

betrayal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of breaking someone's trust, confidence, or loyalty, or the state of having been deceived by someone trusted.

Example

"The sudden leak of confidential company records was seen as a deep betrayal of the team's trust."

2

The unintentional revelation or exposure of a hidden feeling, quality, or secret.

Example

"The slight tremor in his voice was the only betrayal of his underlying nervousness."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for betrayal

• Nearby Words

betcha
betel
betray
betrayal
betrayer
betroth
betrothal

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 16th century from the verb 'betray' and the noun-forming suffix '-al'. 'Betray' comes from Middle English 'bitrayen', combining the native prefix 'be-' with Old French 'trair' (to betray), ultimately from Latin 'tradere' (to hand over or deliver).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Betrayal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/betrayal
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