noun
- the crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government
Usage: legal term
Examples
- The spy was charged with treason for selling military secrets to enemy agents.
- Benedict Arnold’s name became synonymous with treason in American history.
- In many countries, treason is punishable by life imprisonment or death.
- The constitution defines treason as levying war against the United States.
- She was accused of treason for attempting to overthrow the government.
- The medieval king executed nobles suspected of treason against the crown.