betray
bih-TRAY
Betray (verb) means to be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by helping their enemies or breaking a promise. Example: “He betrayed his best friend by leaking their secret plans.”
verb
1
To be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by helping their enemies or breaking a promise.
"He betrayed his best friend by leaking their secret plans."
"She felt betrayed when her business partner sold the company behind her back."
2
To reveal something unintentionally.
"His trembling hands betrayed how nervous he really was."
How to use betray
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo break someone's trust, or to accidentally reveal a feeling or secret.
Common pairings
betray a trust
betray a secret
betray one's feelings
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like betray.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- betrays
- Past tense
- betrayed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ his best friend by leaking their secret plans.
Etymology
From Middle English betrayen, built from "be-" plus an old word meaning "to betray," ultimately related to "traitor" and "treason."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
keep faith
Related words
Rhymes for betray
See all rhymes for betray →Frequently asked questions
What does “betray” mean?
The word “betray” means to be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by helping their enemies or breaking a promise. In plain terms, to break someone's trust, or to accidentally reveal a feeling or secret.
How do you pronounce “betray”?
“Betray” is pronounced bih-TRAY (/bɪˈtɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “betray” in a sentence?
Here is “betray” used in a sentence: “He betrayed his best friend by leaking their secret plans.”
What is another word for “betray”?
Words with a similar meaning to “betray” include burn, cop out, cross out, cross up, double-cross and do someone dirty.
What is the opposite of “betray”?
The opposite of “betray” — its antonyms — is keep faith.
What part of speech is “betray”?
“Betray” is a verb.
Where does the word “betray” come from?
The word “betray” comes from Middle English. From Middle English betrayen, built from "be-" plus an old word meaning "to betray," ultimately related to "traitor" and "treason.".
Is “betray” a common word?
“Betray” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include betray:
