disloyalist

A disloyalist whispers secrets to a foreign agent in a shadowy park.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who is not loyal: "disloyalist" refers to an individual who is unfaithful or treacherous, especially towards a government, leader, or cause. This term emphasizes a lack of allegiance or fidelity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The government arrested several disloyalists suspected of plotting against the state. (Individuals who were not loyal to the government.)
  • During the war, disloyalists were often exiled or imprisoned. (People who betrayed their country or side.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be branded a disloyalist": to be publicly labeled as someone who is not loyal.
  • In times of political upheaval, anyone questioning the regime could be branded a disloyalist. (Accused of being treacherous.)

Variants and Related Words

• Disloyal (adj): not loyal or faithful.

  • His disloyal actions shocked his friends. (Actions showing a lack of loyalty.)

• Disloyalty (n): the quality or state of being disloyal.

  • Disloyalty to the party is a serious offense. (Betrayal or unfaithfulness.)

• Loyalist (n): a person who remains loyal to a government, ruler, or cause (opposite of disloyalist).

  • The loyalists defended the monarchy against the rebels. (Those who were faithful.)

Synonyms

• Traitor: a person who betrays their country or group.
• Turncoat: someone who switches sides or allegiances.
• Recreant: a cowardly or unfaithful person (archaic).

Related Idioms

• A snake in the grass: a deceitful or treacherous person.

  • He seemed friendly, but he was a snake in the grass, a true disloyalist. (A hidden betrayer.)

• To bite the hand that feeds you: to harm or betray someone who has helped you.

  • By leaking secrets, the disloyalist bit the hand that fed him. (Betrayed his benefactor.)