betray

Universal Words verb [VN] 1 ~ sb/sth (to sb) to give information about sb/sth to an enemy: For years they had been betraying state secrets to Russia. * He was offered money to betray his colleagues. 2 to hurt sb who trusts you, especially by not being loyal or faithful to them: She felt betrayed when she found out the truth about him. * She betrayed his trust over and over again. * I have never known her to betray a confidence (= tell other people sth that should be kept secret). 3 to ignore your principles or beliefs in order to achieve sth or gain an advantage for yourself: He has been accused of betraying his former socialist ideals. 4 ~ sth / yourself to tell sb or make them aware of a piece of information, a feeling, etc., usually without meaning to: His voice betrayed the worry he was trying to hide. * She was terrified of saying something that would make her betray herself (= show her feelings or who she was).