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

Expect enough backstabbing, saucy secrets, and nonsensical cameos to more than make up for the loss of And Just Like That. —Lucy Ford, Time, 28 Aug. 2025

In high-pressure workplaces already dealing with micromanagement, backstabbing, and the friction of return-to-office mandates, a narcissist can amplify tension, erode trust, and make collaboration an uphill battle. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025

The Traitors fans, now’s your chance to do a little backstabbing of your own. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 14 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstabbing

• dabbing
• grabbing
• jabbing
• stabbing
• swabbing