First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
traitor
noun trai·tor \ˈtrā-tər\
: a person who is not loyal to his or her own country, friends, etc. : a person who betrays a country or group of people by helping or supporting an enemy
Full Definition of TRAITOR
1
: one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2
: one who commits treason
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Origin of TRAITOR
Middle English traytour, from Anglo-French traitre, from Latin traditor, from tradere to hand over, deliver, betray, from trans-, tra- trans- + dare to give — more at date
Related to TRAITOR
- Synonyms
- apostate, backstabber, betrayer, double-crosser, double-dealer, Judas, quisling, recreant, serpent, snake, turncoat
TRAITOR Defined for Kids
traitor
noun trai·tor \ˈtrā-tər\
Definition of TRAITOR for Kids
1
: a person who is not loyal or true to a friend, duty, cause, or belief or is false to a personal duty
2
: a person who betrays his or her country : a person who commits treason
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