betrayed
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
not guarded, maintained, or fulfilled faithfully.
The political history of that nation is a painful one, full of betrayed promises and almost continuous war.
-
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.
-
revealed or disclosed in violation of confidence.
In the underground economy, a betrayed secret is lethal to any operation.
-
deceived, misguided, or seduced.
I’m expecting a thunderous reaction from the betrayed public as the disastrous effects of these policies strike them personally.
verb
Other Word Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This raises a question in my mind: Given that Mr. Woodward told sources he would protect them and later betrayed that confidence, why would readers think he is telling the truth in this new book?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2026
But in recent weeks, several Latino voters have expressed anger at Trump, saying they felt betrayed.
From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026
“It betrayed the trust of all partners who were willing to share information at the time,” said Geoff Hale, who worked on CISA’s elections team from the agency’s inception until last year.
From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2026
In early October, Trump was asked about Latino voters who say they feel betrayed by his administration’s immigration and economic policies.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
“She betrayed your grandmother, Princess, turning on her in her hour of need. She’s most likely the reason your grandmother fled in the first place.”
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
