betray
What does "betray" mean?
To betray someone means to break their trust by acting in a way that is disloyal, often by revealing a secret or switching sides to support an enemy. The mental image is of someone handing over a friend or a cause to those who would do them harm, shattering a bond that was previously held sacred. While it is a serious word often used in dramatic or literary contexts, it is also used in everyday life to describe smaller breaches of confidence. You might "betray a secret" by accidentally letting it slip, or "betray your emotions" when your facial expression reveals a feeling you were trying to hide.
"betray" in conversation
A secret revealed
I can't believe you told Mark about my promotion.
I can't believe you told Mark about my promotion.
I didn't mean to, it just slipped out!
I didn't mean to, it just slipped out!
You betrayed my trust, Tom.
You betrayed my trust, Tom.
Used here to describe a personal breach of confidence between friends.
A poker game
You should fold, your face is betraying you.
You should fold, your face is betraying you.
Is it that obvious?
Is it that obvious?
I can see you're bluffing a mile away.
I can see you're bluffing a mile away.
Here, 'betray' refers to an involuntary physical action revealing an internal state.
"betray" in a sentence
He betrayed his country during the war.
He betrayed his country during the war.
Her nervous smile betrayed her anxiety about the upcoming interview.
Her nervous smile betrayed her anxiety about the upcoming interview.
It is a bitter irony that the man who championed the cause eventually betrayed its core principles.
It is a bitter irony that the man who championed the cause eventually betrayed its core principles.
