Definition

1. Noun:
   • The crime of betraying one's country: Specifically, by attempting to overthrow the government, aiding its enemies, or harming its sovereignty.
   • An act of deliberate betrayal: A profound breach of trust or allegiance, often against a government, leader, or cause.
   • Disloyalty by virtue of subversive behavior: Actions intended to undermine or destroy the authority or structure one is supposed to support.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The general was executed for treason after plotting a coup.
  • Sharing the nation's defense secrets with a foreign power is an act of treason.
  • His actions were seen as treason against the party that had supported him.

Advanced Usage

• "High treason": The most serious form of treason against a sovereign or state.
  • In historical times, high treason was often punishable by death.
• "Constructive treason": (Legal) Acts that are considered treasonous by their effect, even if not explicitly defined as such by statute.
  • The lawyer argued that the speech did not amount to constructive treason.

Variants and Related Words

• Treasonous (adj): Having the character of treason; involving betrayal.
  • The spy was accused of treasonous activities.
• Treachery (n): Betrayal of trust; deceptive action. (Note: 'Treachery' is a broader term for betrayal, while 'treason' is specifically against a nation or sovereign).
  • His treachery cost the king his throne.

Synonyms

• Betrayal: The act of betraying someone or something.
• Sedition: Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state. (Note: Sedition is often a precursor to or a lesser charge than treason).
• Subversion: The undermining of power and authority.

Related Phrases

• "To commit treason": To carry out an act of treason.
  • The radical group sought to commit treason against the crown.
• "Charged with treason": Formally accused of the crime of treason.
  • The defector was charged with treason upon his capture.

Related Idioms

• "Treason doth never prosper": A proverb meaning that acts of treason are ultimately unsuccessful or bring no lasting benefit to the traitor. (Full quote: "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.").
  • He reflected on the old saying, "treason doth never prosper," as he awaited his fate.

Noun

1. an act of deliberate betrayal
2. disloyalty by virtue of subversive behavior
3. a crime that undermines the offender's government