Betray (b&euptack_;trā), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Betrayed (-trād); p. pr. & vb. n. Betraying.] [OE. betraien, bitraien; pref. be- + OF. traïr to betray, F. trahir, fr. L. tradere. See Traitor.] 1. To deliver into the hands of an enemy by treachery or fraud, in violation of trust; to give up treacherously or faithlessly; as, an officer betrayed the city.[1913 Webster]
Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men.
2. To prove faithless or treacherous to, as to a trust or one who trusts; to be false to; to deceive; as, to betray a person or a cause.[1913 Webster]
But when I rise, I shall find my legs betraying me.
3. To violate the confidence of, by disclosing a secret, or that which one is bound in honor not to make known.[1913 Webster]
Willing to serve or betray any government for hire.
4. To disclose or discover, as something which prudence would conceal; to reveal unintentionally.[1913 Webster]
Be swift to hear, but cautious of your tongue, lest you betray your ignorance.
5. To mislead; to expose to inconvenience not foreseen to lead into error or sin.[1913 Webster]
Genius . . . often betrays itself into great errors.
6. To lead astray, as a maiden; to seduce (as under promise of marriage) and then abandon.[1913 Webster]
7. To show or to indicate; -- said of what is not obvious at first, or would otherwise be concealed.[1913 Webster]
All the names in the country betray great antiquity.