backstabbing

noun

back·​stab·​bing ˈbak-ˌsta-biŋ How to pronounce backstabbing (audio)
: betrayal (as by a verbal attack against one not present) especially by a false friend
backstab verb
She was known to backstab her coworkers
backstabber noun
He had a reputation as a gossiper and backstabber.
backstabby adjective informal
competitive backstabby people

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for backstabbing 

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstabbing was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near backstabbing

Cite this Entry

“Backstabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstabbing. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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