Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bɪˈtreɪəl/

Definitions

• 1. The action of betraying someone or something; the act of being disloyal or unfaithful.
• 2. A violation of trust, confidence, or loyalty.
• 3. The revelation of someone’s secrets or personal information to others without consent.

Usage Examples

• The betrayal of his closest friend left him heartbroken.
• Her betrayal of the trust placed in her by her colleagues caused a great rift in the office.

Etymology

From Old French "trahison" (betrayal), based on Latin "tradere," meaning "to hand over" or "to deliver," with a connotation of being treacherous or disloyal.

Synonyms

• Deception
• Dishonesty
• Treacherousness
• Double-cross
• Backstabbing

Antonyms

• Loyalty
• Faithfulness
• Trustworthiness
• Allegiance
• Integrity

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the stress is placed on the second syllable: /bɪˈtreɪəl/.
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to be smoother, with slight reduction in the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "betrayal" has been used in English since the 14th century, derived from the Old French term "trahison." The concept has been central to many works of literature, particularly in plays and novels, often used to explore themes of loyalty, trust, and treason.

Cultural Nuances

Betrayal is considered one of the most severe forms of disloyalty and is frequently discussed in literature and philosophy. Many cultures view betrayal as an act of great moral wrong, often leading to profound emotional and social consequences. It is often depicted as a central theme in stories of love, politics, and power.

More Information

The act of betrayal is a deeply emotional experience, often leading to feelings of hurt, anger, and mistrust. It is one of the most complex themes in human relationships, explored in various contexts, such as political betrayals, personal betrayals, and those involving the breaking of trust in familial and romantic relationships. Betrayal can have lasting consequences, impacting the betrayed party's ability to trust others in the future.