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be·tray

betray

 
 
pronunciation:
bih treI
features:
Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: betrays, betraying, betrayed
definition 1: to be disloyal to; commit treason against.
The spy felt pressure to betray his own country, but he remained loyal.
synonyms:
double-cross, sell out
similar words:
inform on, let down, rat on
definition 2: to be unfaithful to.
They say he betrayed the gang by associating with rival gang members.His wife did not want to believe that her husband would betray her.The witness betrayed her pledge to remain silent.
similar words:
breach, double-cross, two-time, violate
definition 3: to reveal unintentionally.
The look in his eyes betrayed his true intentions.
synonyms:
disclose, divulge, give away, reveal, spill
antonyms:
conceal, hide
similar words:
demonstrate, evidence, evince, manifest, register, show, tell, uncover, unveil
definition 4: to fail to fulfill (hopes, expections, or the like).
Her repeated injuries caused her to betray her youthful promise.He betrayed his parents' hopes when he decided against becoming a priest.
synonyms:
disappoint
similar words:
beat, bilk, dash, foil, frustrate, thwart
definition 5: to mislead.
He was betrayed by ambition.
synonyms:
delude, dupe, mislead
similar words:
beguile, bluff, deceive, trick
derivations: betrayal (n.), betrayer (n.)
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