backstabbing

noun

back·​stab·​bing ˈbak-ˌsta-biŋ 

: betrayal (as by a verbal attack against one not present) especially by a false friend

backstab

ˈbak-ˌstab 

verb

She was known to backstab her coworkers

backstabber

ˈbak-ˌsta-bər 

noun

He had a reputation as a gossiper and backstabber.

backstabby

ˈbak-ˌsta-bē 

adjective informal

competitive backstabby people

Synonyms

• betrayal
• business
• disloyalty
• double cross
• faithlessness
• falseness
• falsity
• infidelity
• perfidy
• sellout
• treachery
• treason
• two-timing
• unfaithfulness

Examples of backstabbing in a Sentence

She was hurt by her former friend's backstabbing.

a reality TV show that seems to have raised backstabbing to an art form

Recent Examples on the Web

While things started so well, and this fresh-faced, handsome leader was touted as one of the most promising in the free world, Trudeau’s tenure was ultimately beset by issues surrounding ethics probes, economics and backstabbings. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025

Welcome back for another season full of [Alan Cumming voice] deception, backstabbing and treachery! —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025

Shows like Dallas and Blood and Oil have capitalized on the industry’s dramatic potential, focusing on wealthy oil barons, family empires, corporate warfare, and scandalous backstabbing. —Jay R. Young, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Drinking and backstabbing are often seen as the key factors in Vanderpump Rules’ popularity and lengthy time on the air. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above