Definition

Noun: 1. A person who betrays someone or something: A betrayer is someone who is disloyal, especially to a person, group, or principle they were supposed to support or protect. This involves breaking trust through deception or harmful actions. 2. An informer: A betrayer can also be someone who reveals confidential or secret information, often for personal gain.

Usage

The word "betrayer" is a noun used to label a person who commits an act of betrayal. It carries a strong negative connotation of treachery and dishonesty. It is often used in contexts involving personal relationships, politics, espionage, or moral principles.

Examples

• The spy was exposed as a betrayer of his country, having sold secrets to the enemy.
• She felt like a betrayer of her own principles when she accepted the unethical deal.
• In the story, the hero's trusted friend turned out to be his betrayer.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Context: The term is often used in historical accounts or literature to describe figures like Judas Iscariot, the archetypal betrayer in the Christian tradition.
• Figurative Use: It can be used figuratively to describe actions that undermine an abstract ideal.
  • His hypocrisy made him a betrayer of the cause he claimed to champion.

Variants and Related Words

• Betray (verb): To be disloyal to; to reveal treacherously.
  • He chose to betray his friend's confidence.
• Betrayal (noun): The act of betraying.
  • The discovery led to feelings of deep betrayal.

Synonyms

• Traitor: Specifically one who betrays their country or cause.
• Informer: One who gives information to authorities, often secretly.
• Double-crosser: One who betrays by pretending to cooperate while working against someone.
• Turncoat: A person who deserts one party or cause to join an opposing one.

Antonyms

• Ally
• Supporter
• Loyalist
• Confidant

Idioms and Phrases

• A Judas kiss: An act of betrayal disguised as a sign of affection (directly referencing the biblical betrayer, Judas Iscariot). This phrase describes the action of a betrayer.
  • His public praise was nothing but a Judas kiss before he revealed the secret.

Noun

1. a person who says one thing and does another
2. one who reveals confidential information in return for money