betray etymology

Etymology

The word "betray" comes from the Old French word "betreier," which in turn comes from the Latin word "tradere," meaning "to hand over."

Meaning

To betray is to act disloyally or treacherously towards someone who trusts you. It can involve revealing secret information, breaking a promise, or acting against someone's interests.

Origin

The earliest known use of the word "betray" in English dates back to the 13th century. It was originally used to describe the act of handing someone over to an enemy or authority. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any act of disloyalty or treachery.

Examples

• A spy who betrays his country by selling secrets to the enemy.
• A friend who betrays your trust by spreading rumors about you.
• A politician who betrays his constituents by voting against their interests.

betray relate terms

• betrayal

  Etymology Middle English betrayal from Old English betræġan meaning to deceive

• betray

  Etymology The word betray comes from the Old French word betreier which in turn come

• betrayer

  Etymology The word betrayer is derived from the Old French word betrayer which in tu

• betray

  Etymology The word betray comes from the Old French word betreier which in turn come

• bewray

  Etymology of Bewray The word bewra y originates from the Middle English term bewrie

• fail

  Etymology The word fail traces its origins back to the Latin verb fallere meaning

• denounce

  Etymology of Denounce The word denounce originates from the Latin verb denuntiare

• enunciate

  Etymology The word enunciate is derived from the Latin verb enuntiare which means t

• calumny

  Etymology Middle English calumnie from Old French calumnie from Latin calumnia from

• manifestation

  Etymology The word manifestation is derived from the Latin noun manifestatio which m

• disappoint

  Etymology Middle English disapoynten from Old French despointer desappointer Old Fr

• teach

  Etymology Definition The study of the origin development and meaning of words Origin