betray

verb
UK: /bɪˈtreɪ/
US: /bɪˈtreɪ/

  1. To be disloyal to someone's trust or confidence.

    1. Don't betray my trust because I need to rely on you now. [ ] [ ]
    2. He would never betray his country, even under the threat of death. [ ] [ ]

  2. To reveal something secret or confidential, often unintentionally.

    1. Her face didn't betray anything, she was totally calm. [ ] [ ]
    2. His nervousness began to betray him when he started sweating a lot. [ ] [ ]

  3. To show feelings, thoughts, or qualities that you are trying to hide.

    1. His smile could betray what he was really thinking. [ ] [ ]
    2. Her eyes betray her sadness, even when she tries to appear cheerful. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

deceit uncover deceive reveal double-cross divulge
betray noun

  1. An act of disloyalty or treachery.

    1. It was a complete betray, I never expected that. [ ] [ ]
    2. The betrayal he felt after learning the truth was overwhelming. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "betray" in English means: To be disloyal to someone's trust or confidence., To reveal something secret or confidential, often unintentionally., To show feelings, thoughts, or qualities that you are trying to hide..

The phonetic transcription of "betray" is /bɪˈtreɪ/ in British English and /bɪˈtreɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "betray": deceit, uncover, deceive, reveal, double-cross, divulge.

Example usage of "betray": "Don't betray my trust because I need to rely on you now.". More examples on the page.