quisle

Definition
  1. Verb (intransitive):
    • To collaborate with an occupying enemy: "quisle" means to betray one's own country or group by cooperating with a hostile occupying force.
    • To act as a traitor: More broadly, it refers to any act of disloyalty or betrayal, especially for personal gain under pressure.
Usage Examples
  • (They collaborated with the enemy occupation.)
  • (He was accused of betraying his team for personal advantage.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to quisle with the enemy": to actively assist an opposing force.

    • The general warned that anyone who would quisle with the enemy would face severe punishment. (Assist the enemy occupation.)

  • "to be quisled" (rare passive): to be betrayed or undermined by a collaborator.

    • The resistance movement was quisled from within by a double agent. (Betrayed by an insider.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Quisling (noun): a person who collaborates with an occupying enemy; a traitor.

    • The quisling was despised by his former neighbors. (The traitor was hated by the community.)

  • Quislingism (noun): the practice or policy of collaborating with an enemy.

    • Quislingism was condemned by the international community. (The act of betrayal was criticized.)
Synonyms
  • Collaborate: to work jointly with an enemy or opponent, often traitorously.
  • Betray: to be disloyal to a trust or duty.
  • Defect: to abandon one's own group or country to join an opposing one.
Phrasal Verbs

  • Quisle in: to join a hostile group from within for betrayal.

    • The spy managed to quisle in with the occupying forces. (He infiltrated and collaborated.)

  • Quisle out: to betray information or resources to the enemy.

    • The official quisled out military secrets to the invaders. (He leaked secrets traitorously.)
Related Idioms

  • "Turn quisling": to become a collaborator or traitor.

    • He turned quisling when he realized the occupation was inevitable. (He became a traitor.)

  • "Quisling's kiss": a figurative betrayal disguised as cooperation.

    • The promise of safety was a quisling's kiss, leading to their capture. (A deceptive act of betrayal.)