betrayer

A betrayer is a person who breaches trust by acting against someone who has trusted them, or against a group, partner, or cause. Betrayal can involve revealing confidential information, abandoning loyalty, or aiding an adversary. The term appears in personal, political, and organizational contexts and can carry moral, emotional, or legal repercussions depending on the facts.

Etymology and usage: The verb betray comes from Old French traïr, from Latin tradere "to hand over." The noun betrayer emerged in English to describe someone who commits betrayal. In modern usage, the term often implies deliberate intent to harm or deceive, though its severity varies with context.

Causes and consequences: Betrayal arises from contested loyalties, coercion, fear, self-interest, revenge, or ideological shifts. It undermines trust, damages relationships, and can trigger social sanction, retaliation, or legal consequences in certain settings such as contracts, investigations, or treason cases.

In culture: Betrayal is a common theme in literature, film, and religion. Notable examples include Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, Brutus's role in Julius Caesar as depicted in literature, Benedict Arnold in American history, and Iago's manipulation in Othello. These portrayals explore motivations, consequences, and moral ambiguity.

See also: traitor, turncoat, double agent, treachery, betrayal of confidences.