English Words Note. 7

trea·son

noun \ˈtrē-z^ən\

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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Examples of TREASON

1. He is guilty of treason.
2. <reading a friend's diary without permission would have to be regarded as the ultimate act of personal treason>

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

First Known Use: 13th century

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