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

Nobody likes a Quisling, or, at least, very few people would want to be seen as an eager lickspittle to tyranny.

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

"Degrelle was called the Quisling of Belgium," said Prof Bar-Zohar.

From BBC

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

From New York Times

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

From New York Times