Dictionary entries for 'betray'

Synonyms

be·tray (bĭ-trā́)

[Middle English bitrayen, bi-, be-, + trayen, to betray (from Old French trair) (from Latin trādere, to hand over; see tradition).]

transitive verb: -trayed, -tray·ing, -trays.

1. To give aid or information to an enemy of; commit treason against: betray one's country.
2. To deliver into the hands of an enemy in violation of a trust or allegiance: betrayed Christ to the Romans.
To be false or disloyal to: betrayed their cause; betray one's better nature.
To divulge in a breach of confidence: betray a secret.
To make known unintentionally: Her hollow laugh betrayed her contempt for the idea.
To reveal against one's desire or will.
To lead astray; deceive. See synonyms at deceive