Words / B2

bi-TRAY/bɪˈtreɪ/

To betray is to be disloyal, or to give away a secret: betray a friend, betray a confidence. Give away and tell on are everyday; double-cross is informal. Betrayal is the noun. Your face can betray nerves (show them unwillingly). In speech, go behind their back / give the secret away is enough. Betray is moral and strong. Do not use it for a small leak of a party theme unless you want drama.

Meaning

To be disloyal to someone, or to give away a secret.

Examples

• “He betrayed his friend by repeating the secret.”
• “Publishing the draft would betray colleagues who had spoken off the record.”
• “A shake in his voice betrayed the confidence he was trying to sell.”

Good to know

Be disloyal, or give away a secret. Also: show a feeling unwillingly. Noun: betrayal. Everyday: give away. Strong, moral tone.

Near in meaning

give away

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