1. Definition of “Betray”
“Betray” is a verb that means to be disloyal to someone or something, often by revealing secrets, breaking a trust, or acting against an agreement. For example, “He betrayed his friend's confidence by sharing his secrets.”
2. Synonyms
- Deceive
- “Deceive” means to mislead or trick someone. For example, “The con artist deceived the old lady into giving him her money.” It is related to “betray” in the sense that it involves a form of dishonesty. However, “deceive” focuses more on the act of causing someone to believe something false, while “betray” emphasizes the violation of trust and loyalty. You can deceive someone without necessarily having a prior relationship of loyalty with them, but betrayal usually implies a broken trust.
- Double - cross
- “Double - cross” means to betray someone who trusts you, especially in a situation involving a conspiracy or an agreement. For example, “The spy double - crossed his own agency and sold the secrets to the enemy.” This is a more specific type of betrayal that often involves a sudden and unexpected act of treachery. It is stronger than “betray” in the sense that it implies a more calculated and malicious act of going against someone who thought they could rely on you.
- Betrayal
- “Betrayal” is the noun form of “betray.” As a verb synonym, it can be used in a more archaic or literary way. For example, “She was betrayed by his actions” can also be written as “His actions worked a betrayal upon her.” Using the noun as a verb gives a more formal or old - fashioned tone to the sentence and emphasizes the act of betrayal as a completed event.
- Traitorously Act
- “Traitorously act” means to act in a way that is characteristic of a traitor. For example, “He traitorously acted against his comrades by giving away their hiding place.” This phrase emphasizes the traitor - like behavior and is similar to “betray” in that it shows a disloyal and harmful act. However, it's a more elaborate way of expressing the concept and might be used to emphasize the moral wrongness of the act more explicitly.