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 was a nature-loving conservationist and an unrepentant big-game hunter, a Victorian moralist who betrayed his own party and skirted the law when it suited his purposes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stocks have betrayed little concern, with the prospect of more rate cuts buoying sectors that could benefit most, including banks and industrial companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is known to feel betrayed and angered by Rupert's decision to force him, Elisabeth and Prudence formally to cut ties with Fox Corp and News Corp.

From BBC

Then only 19, she racked her brain - could a friend have betrayed her?

From BBC

Starr said he is working with the San Bernardino County district attorney’s office to explore legal avenues to remove Lopez from office, including by proving he committed a felony or betrayed his oath of office.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• misled
• tricked