turncloak
One who defects
A turncloak is someone who betrays their allegiance, switching sides in a conflict or abandoning their cause.
The word evokes the image of literally turning one's coat inside out to hide identifying colors or insignia: The turncloak sold secrets to the enemy.
Synonymous with traitor or turncoat, though less common than either.
One who betrays allegiance
- defectorOne who abandons allegiance
- renegadeDeserter of a cause
- apostateOne who renounces faith
- backstabberDisloyal pretend ally
betrayer · quisling · Judas · double-crosser · sellout · rat · snake · informant
Betraying one's nation
- perfidyDeliberate breach of trust
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
- faithlessnessDisloyalty or treachery
sedition · betrayal · infidelity · falseness · duplicity · double-cross · sabotage · subversion
Deliberate misleading behavior
- two-facedInsincere and deceptive
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
- guileSly, strategic dishonesty
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
cunning · pretense · masquerade · feint · misdirection · disingenuous · underhandedness · false
Abandoning one's loyalty
- desertionUnlawful abandonment of duty
- realignmentAdjusting relative positions
- conversionAct of changing states
- apostasyRenunciation of former beliefs
renunciation · flip-flop · reversal · abandonment · forsaking · disavowal · oath-breaking
traitor
One who betrays allegiance
backstabber · betrayer · quisling · Judas · double-crosser · sellout · rat · snake · informant · collaborator
treason
Betraying one's nation
- perfidyDeliberate breach of trust
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
faithlessness · sedition · betrayal · infidelity · falseness · duplicity · double-cross · sabotage · subversion · conspiracy
duplicity
Deliberate misleading behavior
subterfuge · cunning · pretense · masquerade · feint · misdirection · disingenuous · underhandedness · false · manipulation
defection
Abandoning one's loyalty
- desertionUnlawful abandonment of duty
- realignmentAdjusting relative positions
- conversionAct of changing states
apostasy · renunciation · flip-flop · reversal · abandonment · forsaking · disavowal · oath-breaking
turncloakloyalist
Faithful supporter of authority
stalwart · true believer · die-hard · faithful servant · partisan
turncloakman of honor
Person of upstanding character
straight shooter · faithful friend · constant companion · rock · pillar of strength
turn, cloak, turns, turned, turning, turner, turnable, overturn, return