betrays
|be-trays|
/bɪˈtreɪ/
(betray)
disloyalty or revelation
Etymology
'betray' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'betrayer', where the prefix 'be-' was an intensifying or causative element and the root (from Latin 'tradere') meant 'to hand over'.
'betray' changed from Old French 'betrayer' and Middle English 'betrayen' and eventually became the modern English word 'betray'.
Initially, it meant 'to hand over (to an enemy) or deliver', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to be disloyal, to reveal, or to fail someone'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to be disloyal to someone by helping their enemies or acting against them (often used for political or military treachery)
He betrays his country by passing classified information to the enemy.
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Verb 2
to be unfaithful to a person (especially in a romantic relationship)
She betrays her partner when she has an affair.
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Verb 3
to reveal unintentionally (to show a feeling, intention, or secret)
His smile betrays his nervousness.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 10:29