noun
treason; high treason
A legal term referring to the crime of betraying one's country, typically involving acts such as attempting to overthrow the government or aiding enemies during wartime.
彼は国家反逆罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for treason.
国家反逆罪は最も重い犯罪の一つと見なされている。
Treason is considered one of the most serious crimes.
反逆罪 is a broader term for rebellion or insurrection, while 国家反逆罪 specifically targets acts against the state or sovereign.
内乱罪 refers to the crime of civil war or internal disturbance, often involving organized violence to overthrow the government, whereas 国家反逆罪 can include non-violent acts like espionage.
Compound of 国家 (nation, state) + 反逆 (treason, rebellion) + 罪 (crime). The term is a direct translation of the Western legal concept of treason, adopted into Japanese law.