double-crosser
|dou/ble/cross/er|
🇺🇸
/ˈdʌbəlˌkrɑsər/
🇬🇧
/ˈdʌb(ə)lˌkrɒsə/
betrayal by deceit
Etymology
'double-cross' originates from American English, formed by combining 'double' (meaning 'twofold') and 'cross' (meaning 'to thwart or betray' in some slang uses).
'double-cross' developed as a verb in late 19th to early 20th century criminal and theatrical slang and later produced the agent noun 'double-crosser' meaning 'one who double-crosses.'
Initially it literally suggested a 'crossing twice' or a twofold contradiction, but over time it came to mean specifically 'to betray or deceive someone after an agreement' and the noun came to mean 'a betrayer.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who betrays or cheats someone who trusted them; a traitor who breaks a promise or agreement, often for personal gain.
He turned out to be a double-crosser who sold the team's plans to their competitor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/21 05:01