traitor
TRAY-tuh
Traitor (noun) means a person who betrays their country, cause, or the trust placed in them. Example: “He was branded a traitor for leaking the documents to a rival power.”
noun
1
A person who betrays their country, cause, or the trust placed in them.
"He was branded a traitor for leaking the documents to a rival power."
"The general was executed as a traitor after the failed coup."
2
Someone who betrays a friend, group, or confidence more generally.
"She felt like a traitor for telling his secret."
How to use traitor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who betrays their country, group, or someone's trust.
Common pairings
branded a traitor
act of a traitor
traitor to the cause
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Word forms
- Plural
- traitors
- Third person singular
- traitors
- Past tense
- traitored
- Comparative
- more traitor
- Superlative
- most traitor
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was branded a _____ for leaking the documents to a rival power.
Etymology
From Old French traïtor, from Latin trāditor ("one who hands over"), from trādō, "to hand down or surrender" — a doublet of "tradition."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for traitor
editor
suitor
monitor
visitor
janitor
auditor
creditor
capacitor
solicitor
inhibitor
competitor
inquisitor
See all rhymes for traitor →
Frequently asked questions
What does “traitor” mean?
The word “traitor” means a person who betrays their country, cause, or the trust placed in them. In plain terms, someone who betrays their country, group, or someone's trust.
How do you pronounce “traitor”?
“Traitor” is pronounced TRAY-tuh (/ˈtɹeɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “traitor” in a sentence?
Here is “traitor” used in a sentence: “He was branded a traitor for leaking the documents to a rival power.”
What is another word for “traitor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “traitor” include Benedict Arnold, quisling and Judas.
What part of speech is “traitor”?
“Traitor” is a noun.
Where does the word “traitor” come from?
The word “traitor” comes from Latin. From Old French traïtor, from Latin trāditor ("one who hands over"), from trādō, "to hand down or surrender" — a doublet of "tradition.".
Is “traitor” a common word?
“Traitor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “traitor” have?
“Traitor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who betrays their country, cause, or the trust placed in them.
What is the difference between a traitor and a spy?
A traitor is someone who betrays their country, cause, or the trust placed in them, while a spy specifically gathers secret information, often for a foreign power. A spy becomes a traitor only if they betray their own country's trust in the process, so the two terms overlap but are not identical.
What is the difference between a traitor and a rebel?
A traitor betrays a country, cause, or trust from within, whereas a rebel openly resists or rises up against authority, often without any prior obligation of loyalty being broken. Rebels are sometimes labeled traitors by the side they oppose, but the terms describe different relationships to loyalty.
Can "traitor" be used outside of political or national contexts?
Yes, "traitor" is also used more generally for someone who betrays a friend, group, or confidence, not just in matters of national loyalty. For example, someone who reveals a friend's secret to others might informally be called a traitor.
