Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition betray in British English

betray verb

[transitive] verb
/bɪˈtreɪ/
1

if you betray your country, or if you betray someone who needs your support, you deliberately do something that harms them or helps their opponents

Example

In wartime many people accused of betraying their country were executed.

Example

She realized that one of her friends must have betrayed her.

Synonyms and related words
abuse mistreat oppress
1.1

if you betray someone's trust, you do harm to them when they have trusted you

Example

They felt their assistant had betrayed their trust in publishing his diaries.

Synonyms and related words
let down hold back embarrass
2

if you betray your beliefs or principles, you do something that does not agree with them

Example

She had betrayed all her beliefs and told a lie.

Synonyms and related words
change your mind see reason/sense adapt
3

to show something or give a sign of something

Example

Rabbits betray their presence with fresh soil outside their burrow.

Synonyms and related words
signify stand for symbolize
3.1

if you betray a feeling or quality that you want to hide or that you are not aware of, your words or face make it clear to people

Example

His comments betray a lack of understanding.

Example

The woman's face betrayed no emotion.

Synonyms and related words
show display manifest
3.2

if you betray a secret, you tell it to people who do not have the right to know it

Definition betray in British English