traitor

word

/ˈtɹeɪtɝ/
TRAY-dur
/tɹˈeɪtɐ/
TRAY-tuh

Definition

A traitor is a person who betrays their country, group, or people they should be loyal to. It is also used more loosely for someone who turns against friends, family, or a team.

Usage & Nuances

Usually a very strong and negative word. In serious contexts, it can mean someone guilty of betrayal against a country; in everyday speech, people also use it jokingly for small disloyalties, like supporting the rival team. Common patterns: 'be called a traitor', 'accuse someone of being a traitor', 'traitor to his/her country'.

Example Sentences

The king called him a traitor.

basic

They said she was a traitor to her country.

basic

No one trusted the traitor after that.

basic

You told them our secret? Traitor!

natural

He switched to the other team, so we jokingly called him a traitor.

natural

In that town, anyone who disagreed with the leader was treated like a traitor.

natural