traitor
UK: ˈtreɪtə | US: ˈtreɪtər
n. a person who betrays someone or something, such as a friend, cause, or principle
traitor = trait<betray> + or<agent noun suffix>
- trait (from Old French trait "deed, act of betrayal," from Latin tradere "to hand over, betray" < trans "across" + dare "to give">)
- or (agent noun suffix indicating a person who performs an action, from Latin -ator)
Etymology Origin:
The word "traitor" originates from the Latin traditor, meaning "one who hands over" or "betrayer." It evolved through Old French traitre before entering Middle English. The core idea revolves around "handing over" (literally or figuratively), which morphed into the modern sense of betrayal. The suffix -or solidifies its role as a noun denoting a person who commits the act.
He was branded a traitor for leaking classified documents.
In the story, the traitor secretly allied with the enemy.
The general executed the traitor without trial.
She felt like a traitor for quitting the team during the crisis.
History remembers him as a traitor, though his motives were complex.