betray
UK: bɪˈtreɪ | US: bɪˈtreɪ
vt. to deceive or be disloyal to someone who trusts you
vt. to reveal secrets or information treacherously
vt. to unintentionally show a feeling or quality
betray = be<thoroughly> + tray<deliver>
- be (prefix, from Old English "be-", meaning "thoroughly" or "about")
- tray (root, from Old French "trair", meaning "to deliver" or "to hand over", derived from Latin "tradere" <to hand over>)
Etymology Origin:
The word "betray" originates from the Old French "trair" (to betray), combined with the intensifying prefix "be-". The Latin root "tradere" (to hand over) evolved into "trahir" in Old French, which later entered Middle English as "betraien". The core idea of "handing someone over" shifted to "deceiving or acting disloyally", reflecting the darker connotations of trust broken.
He felt deeply hurt when his best friend betrayed his secret.
The spy was executed for betraying his country.
Her trembling voice betrayed her fear.
A smile betrayed his true feelings about the surprise.
The documents betrayed evidence of corruption.