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View synonyms for treason

treason

[ tree-zuhn ]

noun

  1. the offense of acting to overthrow one's government or to harm or kill its sovereign.
  2. a violation of allegiance to one's sovereign or to one's state.
  3. the betrayal of a trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery.


treason

/ ˈtriːzən /

noun

  1. violation or betrayal of the allegiance that a person owes his sovereign or his country, esp by attempting to overthrow the government; high treason
  2. any treachery or betrayal
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈtreasonableness, noun
  • ˈtreasonable, adjective
  • ˈtreasonably, adverb
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Other Words From

  • super·treason noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of treason1

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English tre(i)so(u)n, from Anglo-French; Old French traïson, from Latin trāditiōn-, stem of trāditiō “delivery, transfer, betrayal”; tradition
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Word History and Origins

Origin of treason1

C13: from Old French traïson , from Latin trāditiō a handing over; see tradition , traditor
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Compare Meanings

How does treason compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

Treason, sedition mean disloyalty or treachery to one's country or its government. Treason is any attempt to overthrow the government or impair the well-being of a state to which one owes allegiance; the crime of giving aid or comfort to the enemies of one's government. Sedition is any act, writing, speech, etc., directed unlawfully against state authority, the government, or constitution, or calculated to bring it into contempt or to incite others to hostility, ill will or disaffection; it does not amount to treason and therefore is not a capital offense. See disloyalty.
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Example Sentences

While most were captured and hung for treason, today in Mexico you can find memorials to the Irish, considered heroes of the war.

He noted on Twitter that the Georgia state Constitution dictates that legislators “shall be free from arrest during sessions of the General Assembly” except for treason, felony or breach of the peace.

She has spoken publicly on video, for example, about the possibility of Democrats including Pelosi being executed for treason.

Chase has dismissed the criticism, saying Virginia Democrats had “committed treason” by loosening restrictions on voting last year.

A month later, an article accusing him of treason appeared on a popular national news site with close ties to Morocco’s royal rulers.

So does his comment about treason, which plugs into the mentality of those accusing the President of sedition and disloyalty.

Though his earlier conversion to Christianity had been made public, his treason sent shock waves.

I also informed him that now, since the fast and furious scandal, that continuing the war on drugs is treason.

When he conquered the horse he used the noble beast to draw and quarter those he suspected of treason.

After the trial resumed in January, Mandela was convicted of high treason and sentenced to life.

In the reign of some of the English kings the demolition of such houses would not have been adjudged treason.

In successive letters he reiterates the caution to beware of surprise and treason, and his anxiety for constant news.

On him, it is said, the King turned with vehement indignation, charging him even with treason and double-dealing.

Whoever infringed these rules incurred the penalties of high treason.

There was the exciting subject of 'danger to the Church' from Rome, or from Presbyterianism, or from treason within.

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treas.treasonable