v.
Pronunciation: bi- ' tr ā , b ē -
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from be- + trayen to betray, from Anglo-French trahir, from Latin tradere ― more at TRAITOR
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 : to lead astray especially : SEDUCE
2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery
3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need < betray ed his family>
4 a : to reveal unintentionally < betray one's true feelings> b : SHOW , INDICATE c : to disclose in violation of confidence < betray a secret>
intransitive verb : to prove false
synonyms see REVEAL
– be · tray · al \ - ' tr ā (- ə )l \ noun
– be · tray · er \ - ' tr ā - ə r \ noun