betrayal

Everyday

1. Betrayal is breaking someone's trust, for example by telling their secret, lying to them or helping their enemy. tree →
2. A betrayal is one act of this kind. tree →
3. Betrayal of a country is helping its enemies (treason). tree →

In the lessons

In stories, betrayal is a big turning point: a friend tells a secret or changes sides. In ethics lessons, pupils discuss whether telling an adult about danger is betrayal (it is not; it keeps people safe). In Bible lessons, Judas's betrayal of Jesus is a famous story. Phrases: «a sense of betrayal», «an act of betrayal», «feel betrayed».

Examples

• Telling everyone her secret was a betrayal. tree →
• She felt a deep sense of betrayal when her friend laughed at her. tree →
• In the Bible, Judas's betrayal of Jesus happened for thirty silver coins. tree →
• The spy's betrayal cost many lives. tree →
• It wasn't a betrayal to tell the teacher that Sam was being hurt. tree →
• The film is about friendship and betrayal. tree →

Note

Countable for one act («two betrayals»), uncountable for the idea. Verb: betray (betrayed, betraying); person: traitor. Trap: telling to keep someone safe is not betrayal; spreading gossip to hurt is.