traitorous

/ˈtreɪtərəs/ (bre, ipa) · [trˈetɚəs] /ˈtreɪtərəs/ (ame, ipa) · [trˈetɚəs] /ˈtrā-tə-rəs How to pronounce traitorous (audio) ˈtrā-trəs How to pronounce traitorous (audio)/ (ame, mw)

traitorous — adjective

  • traitorouspositive
  • more traitorouscomparative
  • most traitoroussuperlative

1. helping your enemy or doing things that harm the people, group, or country you w

1.形容詞B2
釋義

helping your enemy or doing things that harm the people, group, or country you were supposed to stand by — for instance, giving away secrets or breaking a promise of support to your own side.

例句

Several members of the royal court were executed for traitorous plots against the king.

attributive: traitorous + noun (plots)

The committee concluded that the officer's traitorous behaviour had put dozens of soldiers at risk.

同義詞
  • disloyal

    Broader and less formal; covers any broken loyalty, not necessarily involving active betrayal

  • treacherous

    Suggests hidden danger and deceit; implies the person pretends to be trustworthy while secretly working against you

  • treasonous

    Specifically about betraying one's country; more legal and narrower in scope

  • faithless

    More literary and emotional; suggests a broken promise or personal trust rather than a political duty

反義詞
  • loyal

    The direct opposite; staying true to a person, group, or country without wavering

  • faithful

    Emphasises keeping promises and steadfast support over time

文法句型

traitorous + noun

link verb + traitorous

用法筆記

More formal than 'disloyal'. Common in political and military contexts when the betrayal involves a duty or oath. 'Traitorous' can apply to any group (country, friends, beliefs); 'treasonous' is limited to betraying one's country.

常見錯誤

❌The dog was traitorous to its owner.
✅The dog was disloyal to its owner.
💡'traitorous' is too strong for animals or casual relationships; use 'disloyal' or 'unfaithful'.