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 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 Fans can expect more backstabbing, scheming and dragon riding and slaying as the show sets the stage for the long awaited Dance of the Dragons, the famous battle that GoT fans know eventually leads to the Targryens losing their grip on the Iron Throne. Olivia Truffaut-Wong, refinery29.com, 12 Apr. 2024 It was sort of foreshadowed at the top of the season, which opens with the back of Deb and the Caesar statue in Vegas foreshadowing this backstabbing. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backstabbing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backstabbing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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