Judas

American  

[joo-duhs] / ˈdʒu dəs /

noun

1. Also called Judas Iscariot.  the disciple who betrayed Jesus in the New Testament.

2. a person treacherous enough to betray a friend; traitor.

3. Also called Saint Judas,.  Also called Saint Jude.  one of the 12 apostles of Jesus (not Judas Iscariot).

4. (in the Bible) a brother of James (and possibly of Jesus).

5. Also called judas hole.  Usually judas a peephole, as in an entrance door or the door of a prison cell.

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adjective

1. (of an animal) used as a decoy to lead other animals to slaughter.

   A Judas goat led sheep into the abattoir.

Judas ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒuːdəs /

noun

1. Full name: Judas Iscariot.  New Testament the apostle who betrayed Jesus to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver (Luke 22:3–6, 47–48)

2. a person who betrays a friend; traitor

3. a brother or relative of James and also of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). This figure, Thaddaeus, and Jude were probably identical

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adjective

1. denoting an animal or bird used to lure others of its kind or lead them to slaughter

judas ² British  

/ ˈdʒuːdəs /

noun

1. Also called: judas window.   judas hole.  (sometimes capital) a peephole or a very small window in a door

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Other Word Forms

• Judaslike adjective

Etymology

Origin of judas

C19: after Judas Iscariot

Example Sentences

The cult star promised covers of metal staples like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, as well as "a few originals forged in the same cosmic fire."

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Even today, she asks schoolchildren if they have heard of Deep Purple, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, which she still counts among her favorite bands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The conflict between Erivo’s all-seeing, all-feeling Jesus and Lambert’s competitive yet remorseful Judas was thrillingly brought to life in their different yet wholly compatible musical styles.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

But we’ve never seen one like this before: A Judas kiss that went straight to the heart and shattered their deepest convictions.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2025

Maybe nail clippers, a rosary, or a scapular with a tiny drawing of San Cristobal, the patron saint of travelers, or of San Judas Tadeo, the patron saint of desperate situations.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario