traitor

IPA

Dictionary definition of traitor

An individual who betrays the trust, loyalty, or allegiance they owe to a person, group, or country.
"The general was revealed to be a traitor when the secret plans were found in his possession."

Detailed meaning of traitor

A traitor is someone who intentionally acts against the best interests of their affiliation or the cause they are supposed to support. By engaging in treacherous or disloyal actions, a traitor often seeks personal gain, advantage, or alignment with an opposing side. They may provide sensitive information, collaborate with the enemy, or undermine the efforts and security of their own side. The term "traitor" carries a negative connotation, as it implies a severe breach of trust and often incurs strong moral condemnation from the betrayed party. The noun "traitor" denotes a person who has committed an act of betrayal, turning their back on the principles, values, or loyalties they once upheld.

Example sentences containing traitor

1. They branded him a traitor for siding with the enemy during the war.
2. The villagers were shocked to discover that the traitor was living among them for years.
3. The king executed the traitor to send a message to others who might betray him.
4. As a child, she read stories about spies and traitors and dreamt of being a detective.
5. The historical novel depicted the internal conflict of a man torn between loyalty and becoming a traitor.
6. The community was torn apart when a traitor was discovered to have sabotaged the local factory.

History and etymology of traitor

The noun 'traitor' is rooted in the Latin word 'traditor,' which is derived from 'tradere,' meaning 'to hand over' or 'to betray.' In its original usage, 'traditor' referred to someone who had handed over or betrayed their comrades, often in the context of political or military alliances. Over time, this term evolved into 'traitor' in the English language, signifying an individual who betrays the trust, loyalty, or allegiance they owe to a person, group, or country. The etymology of 'traitor' thus reflects the historical significance of loyalty and betrayal in human relationships and underscores the negative connotations associated with acts of treachery and disloyalty.

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Further usage examples of traitor

1. Many traitors throughout history have met with grim fates due to their treachery.
2. The traitor's family changed their name after his crimes were exposed.
3. The committee discovered a traitor who leaked confidential information to the press.
4. The agents were on a mission to catch a traitor who was selling government secrets.
5. The word "traitor" is often used to vilify those who are perceived to have betrayed a cause or group.
6. The spy was branded a traitor for divulging classified information.
7. Betraying one's comrades in war is the ultimate act of a traitor.
8. A traitor's actions can have devastating consequences for a nation.
9. History books remember Benedict Arnold as a notorious traitor.
10. The whistleblower faced accusations of being a traitor to the organization.
11. Trust is fragile; a traitor can shatter it in an instant.
12. The traitor's treachery left a lasting scar on their relationships.
13. A traitor's motives are often shrouded in secrecy.
14. The trial exposed the traitor's deceitful actions to the world.
15. In wartime, the punishment for a traitor can be severe.
16. His betrayal marked him as a traitor in the eyes of his friends.
17. A traitor's actions can never be fully justified.
18. The nation mourned the loss of trust caused by the traitor.
19. Spies often walk a fine line between patriot and traitor.
20. The traitor's defection shocked the intelligence community.
21. Betrayal by a close friend feels like a knife in the back by a traitor.
22. A traitor's legacy is one of infamy and shame.
23. His confession as a traitor led to a wave of outrage.
24. Betraying one's principles can make a person feel like a traitor.
25. The traitor's double-crossing schemes unraveled over time.