betrayed

American  

[bih-treyd] / bɪˈtreɪd /

adjective

1. delivered or exposed to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty.

   After being double-crossed by one of his own, the betrayed agent sought retribution against the intelligence service.

2. not guarded, maintained, or fulfilled faithfully.

   The political history of that nation is a painful one, full of betrayed promises and almost continuous war.

3. having one’s hopes or expectations disappointed, especially through abandonment or unfaithfulness.

   For a betrayed spouse, the affair can be the most devastating experience of a lifetime.

4. revealed or disclosed in violation of confidence.

   In the underground economy, a betrayed secret is lethal to any operation.

5. deceived, misguided, or seduced.

   I’m expecting a thunderous reaction from the betrayed public as the disastrous effects of these policies strike them personally.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of betray.

Other Word Forms

• unbetrayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of betrayed

First recorded in 1605–15; betray ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; betray ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

"He betrayed the Iranians," said one woman in her 30s, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green captured the anguish and humanity of the betrayed King Marke, though he was underpowered in comparison with the others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

“I feel betrayed by my country,” he explained in language similar to what he would use on stage a short time later.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Charlie told her, in a dream, that he had been betrayed.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

Boaz backed away from both, his gaze shifting restlessly between the two identical versions of the girl he’d willingly given his neck to, the girl he had betrayed and nearly had buried.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• misled
• tricked