# traitorous

/ˈtɹeɪtɝəs/ (US) · /tɹˈeɪtəɹəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/traitorous
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

acting against your own country or group by helping its enemies or breaking trust. You use it for behaviour that feels like a deep betrayal.

For teachers: involving betrayal of loyalty or allegiance, especially to a country, organization, or cause. Often describes actions, statements, or plans that aid an enemy or undermine trust.

## Examples

- He faces charges for his traitorous actions against the state.
- The newspaper called the leaked documents traitorous because they gave secret plans to a foreign power.
- The novel explores whether the officer's traitorous letters sprang from ideology, greed, or a misguided attempt to end the war sooner.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.