quisling

[ kwiz-ling ]

noun

1. a person who betrays their own country by aiding an invading enemy, often serving later in a puppet government; fifth columnist.

quisling

/ ˈkwɪzlɪŋ /

noun

1. a traitor who aids an occupying enemy force; collaborator

Word History and Origins

Origin of quisling¹

1940; after Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), pro-Nazi Norwegian leader

Word History and Origins

Origin of quisling¹

C20: after Major Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), Norwegian collaborator with the Nazis

Example Sentences

Will they defend democracy or instead surrender and be collaborators and quislings?

From Salon

It's possible Gaetz gets confirmed by quisling Republicans who want to avoid the wrath of Trump.

From Salon

It's ironic because Chait was one of the loudest quisling voices freaking out over hypothetical backlash when District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted Trump on these charges in April 2023.

From Salon

Flap is a guy who uses words like “quisling” and blames “pregnancy paranoia” for his wife’s cheating accusations.

From New York Times

Jordan was in an uphill battle on that front since his colleagues actually knew the quisling heart of the man behind the performative bad haircut and rolled up sleeves.

From Salon