betray

//bɪˈtreɪ//
B2Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of betray

Verb

betrayInfinitive
betrayPresent tense
betrayedPast tense
betrayedPast participle
betrayingPresent participle
betraysThird-person singular
1

To be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by giving information to their enemy or by breaking a promise.

He betrayed his best friend by revealing the secret.

2

To reveal something unintentionally, such as a secret or one's true feelings.

Her trembling voice betrayed her nervousness.

3

To fail to uphold or act against a principle, cause, or ideal that one is expected to support.

He betrayed his principles by accepting the bribe.