Benedict Arnold
/ˌbenədɪkt ˈɑːnəld/
/ˌbenədɪkt ˈɑːrnəld/
- (1741-1801) an American general who betrayed his country in the American Revolution. Although at first he fought bravely and won battles for the Americans, he tried in 1780 to give the fort (= strong military building for defence) at West Point, which he commanded, to the British. He failed and escaped to London. His name is still used by Americans to mean somebody who betrays their country.