Definition
变节 is a formal, politically-charged separable verb (离合词) meaning to betray one's political beliefs, party, or cause by switching sides or recanting publicly. The verb 变 and noun 节 can split when inserting duration, frequency, or other elements, e.g. 变过一次节 ('defected once'). The noun 节 ('integrity', 'moral fiber') is often dropped in figurative use, but the separation rule still applies. The word carries strong negative judgment and is rarely used for everyday betrayals.
v.o.
to betray one's political allegianceto turn traitorto defect(archaic/formal) to break one's vow of chastity or integrity (also applied politically)
Examples
- 变节，。Tā zài guānjiàn shíkè biàn jié le, tóukào le dírén.At the critical moment, he betrayed his cause and defected to the enemy.
- ，，。Zhège rén yǐqián shuō yí tào zuò yí tào, hòulái biàn le yí cì jié, chèdǐ shīqù le dàjiā de xìnrèn.This person used to say one thing and do another; later he defected once and completely lost everyone's trust.
- 变节。Lìshǐ shàng hěn duō biàn jié de zhèngkè zuìzhōng dōu méiyǒu hǎo xiàchǎng.Many turncoat politicians in history ended up badly.
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