quisling
|kwis/ling|
/ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/
traitor who collaborates with an occupier
Etymology
'quisling' originates from Norwegian, specifically the surname 'Quisling' (Vidkun Quisling), a Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.
'quisling' changed from the proper name 'Quisling' (the person) into a common noun meaning 'traitor who collaborates with an enemy'; the surname was widely used in English during and after World War II and became generalized.
Initially it referred specifically to Vidkun Quisling, but over time it evolved into the general meaning 'a collaborator or traitor (especially one who aids occupying forces)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who betrays their country or group by collaborating with an enemy occupying force; a traitor who cooperates with the invaders.
During the occupation he was labeled a quisling for collaborating with the enemy.
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Noun 2
a person who betrays a cause, group, or principle by siding with its opponents; used more broadly as a strong term for any collaborator or betrayer.
Many voters called the politician a quisling after he backed measures favored by his opponents.
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Verb 1
to act like a quisling; to collaborate or cooperate with an occupying enemy or with opponents in a way seen as betraying one's own side.
Many feared he would quisling with the occupiers rather than organize resistance.
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Last updated: 2025/12/21 04:53