Rat

/ræt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A rodent of the family Muridae, typically characterized by a long tail, elongated body, and pointed snout.

The rat scurried across the alley in search of food.

A person who betrays or informs on others, often used as a term of contempt.

He was called a rat for revealing his friend's secret.

A person who is considered untrustworthy or despicable.

Everyone in the office began to see him as a rat after he disclosed confidential information.

verb

To betray someone or inform on someone.

She decided to rat on her accomplices to avoid a harsher punishment.

To cheat or swindle.

He felt that the dealer had tried to rat him out of his money.

Middle English rat, from Old English ræt, from Proto-Germanic *rattō.

rat race

A fierce competition for limited resources or rewards.

rat out

To inform on someone, especially to authorities.

smarter than the average rat

More intelligent than what is typically expected.

mouse

A small rodent similar to a rat but typically smaller.

rodent

A group of mammals that includes rats, mice, squirrels, and others.

pest

An annoying or harmful insect or animal.

A person who betrays friends or associates.

After he testified against his crew, everyone called him a rat.

To inform on someone.

He decided to rat on his partner to get a plea deal.