turncoat — a person who deserts one party or cause in order to join an opposing one
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person who deserts one party or cause in order to join an opposing one
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɜːrnkoʊt/
Example Sentences
- The spy was the ultimate turncoat, selling secrets to three different countries at once.
- His teammates called him a turncoat when he joined their rival team for more money.
- The turncoat politician changed parties so often that voters couldn't keep track of his current affiliation.
turncoat
NOUN[/ˈtɜːrnkoʊt/]
a person who deserts one party or cause in order to join an opposing one
The turncoat sneaks across enemy lines, flipping his coat to switch sides.
The turncoat sheds his raincoat, revealing his true overcoat!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 16th-century military practice where soldiers would literally turn their coats inside out to show different colors when switching sides during battle, indicating their change of allegiance to the enemy.
Breakdown
turn (to reverse/change direction) + coat (outer garment) - literally describes the physical act of reversing one's coat to show loyalty to the opposing side
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The spy was the ultimate turncoat, selling secrets to three different countries at once.”
“His teammates called him a turncoat when he joined their rival team for more money.”
“The turncoat politician changed parties so often that voters couldn't keep track of his current affiliation.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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