Traitor Defined
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From Middle English traitor, traitour, traytour, from Old French traïtor (French traître), from Latin trāditor. Displaced native Middle English swike from Old English swica (“traitor”), and Middle English proditour and traditour borrowed directly from Latin. The general Old English word denoting "traitor" was lǣwa or lǣwend. Doublet of traditor.
Pronunciation
Noun
traitor (plural traitors)
- Someone who violates an allegiance and betrays their country; someone guilty of treason; one who, in breach of trust, delivers their country to an enemy, or yields up any fort or place entrusted to their defense, or surrenders an army or body of troops to the enemy, unless when vanquished.
After World War I, the communists and Jews were accused to be traitors by the German right wing (the "stab-in-the-back myth"), ultimately culminating in their persecution and massacre.
- Someone who takes arms and levies war against their country; or one who aids an enemy in conquering their country. Synonyms: turncoat, withersake; see also Thesaurus:defector
- (by extension) One who betrays any confidence or trust. Synonyms: betrayer, fink, snake, snake in the grass; see also Thesaurus:betrayer
Synonyms
- (all senses): Benedict Arnold (US), quisling, Judas
Friday, February 06, 2026 07:50PM
traitor - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
same word in Russian:
The primary Russian word for "traitor" is предатель (predatel').
Other common translations include:
- изменник (izmenik) – often used in formal or historical contexts, meaning "one who betrays" (especially a country or cause).
- изменник родины (izmenik rodiny) – specifically "traitor to one's country."
These terms are used in both literal and figurative senses, such as in political discourse, historical narratives, or personal betrayal.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.
Friday, February 06, 2026 07:51PM