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

I didn’t have to be there when the social worker called him and told him what I reported; I knew the rage he felt, and I knew he felt I betrayed him.

From Literature

She argued that the groups based at Trongate 103 affect the city as a whole, and said artists "feel betrayed" by the changes.

From BBC

"I am suffering from crippling anxiety. I am trying to rebuild my life but I feel used and manipulated. I feel violated and betrayed."

From BBC

How could she sing when she had betrayed another human being!

From Literature

I think my wry smile must have betrayed me.

From Literature

Related Words

• misled
• tricked