betrayal
n. any act committed by one relationship partner that violates the other’s expectations of that partner (e.g., that he or she is trustworthy and has regard for the other’s well-being). Although the term betrayal is commonly associated with infidelity, most researchers use it in a broader sense to include such acts as lying, disloyalty, revealing secrets to outsiders, intentionally harmful behavior, lack of support, or broken promises. Betrayals can evoke strong emotions in victims and perpetrators and are usually harmful to relationships, sometimes leading directly to their termination. Alternatively, reparative actions by the perpetrator, such as an apology, can foster forgiveness by the victim, which allows the relationship to continue.