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

• treachery
• betrayal

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

The best crime drama streaming has it all: feuding mob families, backstabbing, feds, snitches, violence, fantastic needle drops, and multiple conversations about ziti. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Despite Biggy’s surprise at the backstabbing from his pal Rick, the man stays in the game until the last possible second. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 29 July 2025

Through backstabbing, alliances and thrilling competition, players have the chance to win $4.56 million — a fraction of the 45.6 billion won that's offered in the fictional Squid Game. —Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 June 2025

Josh Kroenke fired his coach and president of basketball operations in April to end years of not-so-secret intra-office backstabbing and rancor. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstabbing

• dabbing
• grabbing
• jabbing
• stabbing
• swabbing