Definition

To be disloyal to someone by revealing their secrets or by helping an enemy; to break someone's trust.

Example

He felt that his friend would betray him if he shared his plans.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I can't believe she would betray our trust like that.

I know, right? It really shocked me.

It's hard to understand how someone could betray their friends.

Totally, it makes you reconsider who to trust.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Betray → It is formed from "be-" (meaning about or around) and "trahere" (meaning to draw or pull). The word originally described the act of drawing someone away from loyalty or trust.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'drawn away' ('trahere') from their loyalty or trust by someone else, which is what it means to betray.

Visually Confused Words