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

Now, Acevedo said, she feels betrayed by a settlement that ignores Hispanic consumers like her.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

“If you’re feeling helpless, if you’re feeling hopeless, if you’re feeling betrayed, if you’re feeling frustrated, if you’re feeling angry — I mean, I know I’ve been,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Giovanni Colli, 71, rolling his eyes while sipping an espresso at a café near the Pantheon, says he feels "betrayed."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“You said she betrayed your mistress,” Jack said to the wolf.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

• misled
• tricked