rat
Originated from Middle English 'ratte', from Old Norse 'rǫtt'; related to Proto-Germanic '*rattō'.
NOUN
(1)
[/ræt/en-US]
ネズミ
literal
/
ラット
loanword
/
害獣
contextual
/
概念文
untranslatable
(No direct equivalent concept in JAPANESE)
A rodent similar to a large mouse, often found in urban environments. Informally, a person who betrays or informs on someone, especially to authorities.
irregular note only if irregular
| plural |
|---|
| rats |
- The old building was infested with rats. — The dilapidated structure had many rodents.
- He was considered a rat for telling the police about his friends' activities. — He was seen as a disloyal person for informing on his friends to the authorities.
register: informal (when referring to a person)
VERB
(1)
[/ræt/en-US]
裏切る
literal
/
密告する
informal
/
暴露する
formal
/
概念文
untranslatable
(No direct equivalent concept in JAPANESE)
To betray someone, especially by informing authorities or an opponent about their secrets or activities.
regular
| gerund | past | present |
|---|---|---|
| ratting | ratted | rats |
- The gang leader threatened to punish anyone who dared to rat him out. — The head of the criminal group warned of consequences for anyone who betrayed him by informing on him.
register: informal