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

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

Most important: Harper lost her job at Pierpoint thanks to some spectacular backstabbing from Eric, who snitched on her to HR for having forged her transcript. —Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2024

The three actors all play Catholic Cardinals in Conclave, a gripping new drama about the backstabbing and posturing that unfolds behind the scenes in Vatican City as the men of the cloth assemble to elect a new pope from among their ranks when the Supreme Pontiff dies. —Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

But some of these godly men harbor secrets and ambitions that lead to backstabbing and scandal. —Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above