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

The factionalism and backstabbing left a bad taste in Firestone’s mouth. —Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025

The momentum of this storyline has really fizzled, and what started as juicy backstabbing has just sort of run its course. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Combs was in good company among the parents of Rosewood, Pa., the fictional setting for Pretty Little Liars' seven seasons of backstabbings and betrayals. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025

But being able to distinguish when things are challenging versus straight-up unhealthy can keep you from spiraling into petty drama and sneaky backstabbing. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstabbing

• dabbing
• grabbing
• jabbing
• stabbing
• swabbing