Traitor Meaning and Definition
Traitor
Pronunciation
/trɪˈteɪər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who betrays the trust or loyalty of others, often for personal gain or advantage.
Examples
- The company’s CEO was accused of being a traitor for stealing valuable trade secrets from a competitor.
- The nation’s leader was publicly shunned as a traitor after leading a rebellion against the government.
Synonyms
- Betrayer
- Renegade
- Turncoat
Antonyms
- Loyalist
- Patriot
- Hero
Etymology
The word “traitor” has its roots in the 14th-century French word “traïtour,” meaning “turncoat.” It has evolved to describe someone who commits a treacherous act, often against their own country or people.
Usage Notes
The word “traitor” is often used to describe a person who has committed a major betrayal or act of disloyalty, often resulting in severe consequences or punishment.
Cultural References
In literature and film, the term “traitor” is often used to describe characters who exhibit disloyalty or betrayal, such as Judas Iscariot in the Bible or Benedict Arnold in American history.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Examples include “turning traitor,” “betraying one’s trust,” and “committing treason.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “traitor” include “betrayal,” “disloyalty,” “treason,” and “renegade.”
Collocations
Common collocations with the word “traitor” include phrases such as “cold-blooded traitor,” “brave traitor,” and “notorious traitor.”
Frequency of Use
The word “traitor” is less commonly used than it was in the past, but it remains an important term in discussions of loyalty, morality, and betrayal.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “traitor” include “trator,” “traitur,” and “traitorer.”