quisling

American  

[kwiz-ling] / ˈkwɪz lɪŋ /

noun

1. a person who betrays their own country by aiding an invading enemy, often serving later in a puppet government; fifth columnist.

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quisling British  

/ ˈkwɪzlɪŋ /

noun

1. a traitor who aids an occupying enemy force; collaborator

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Etymology

Origin of quisling

1940; after Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), pro-Nazi Norwegian leader

Example Sentences

His low-key quisling turn was entirely in character, and not nearly enough to explain the media’s collective sense of betrayal.

From Salon

Lunsford contended that by referring to him as a “quisling,” Lewin had likened him to a “Nazi collaborator,” according to the letter.

From Los Angeles Times

Flap is a guy who uses words like “quisling” and blames “pregnancy paranoia” for his wife’s cheating accusations.

From New York Times

After that, it was assumed, Putin would appoint a quisling government and annex big chunks of the country.

From Salon

They are being condemned as 21st century quislings.

From Seattle Times