First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
treason
noun trea·son \ˈtrē-zən\
: the crime of trying to overthrow your country's government or of helping your country's enemies during war
Full Definition of TREASON
1
: the betrayal of a trust : treachery
2
: the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family
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Origin of TREASON
Middle English tresoun, from Anglo-French traisun, from Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray — more at traitor
Related to TREASON
- Synonyms
- backstabbing, business, disloyalty, double cross, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, sellout, treachery, betrayal, two-timing, unfaithfulness
- Antonyms
- allegiance, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, staunchness, steadfastness
TREASON Defined for Kids
treason
noun trea·son \ˈtrē-zən\
Definition of TREASON for Kids
: the crime of trying or helping to overthrow the government of the criminal's own country or cause its defeat in war
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