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

They showcased the narrative resilience of the brothers-in-crime format—though unlike the immigrant Corleones, the Shelby siblings were native sons betrayed by their country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“But I’ve been betrayed by hope before. But I understand what you’re saying. You have to have some hope. I’m just careful what I hope for.”

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

He was the son of Sisyphus who in Hades must forever try to roll a stone uphill because he once betrayed a secret of Zeus.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• misled
• tricked