backstab

back·stab

B b

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [bak-stab]
- /ˈbækˌstæb/
- /bˈakstab/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak-stab]
- /ˈbækˌstæb/

Definitions of backstab word

verb backstab to attack in a deceitful manner 3
verb with object backstab to attempt to discredit (a person) by underhanded means, as innuendo, accusation, or the like. 1
noun backstab (transitive) to attack someone (especially verbally) unfairly in a deceitful, underhand, or treacherous manner, especially when they're not present in the place or situation that it happens. (as if stabbing them in the back). See backbite. 1

See all 3 definitions of backstab

Information block about the term

Origin of backstab

First appearance:

before 1920

One of the 12% newest English words

First recorded in 1920-25; back2 + stab

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Backstab

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Backstab

backstab popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 55% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

backstab usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for backstab

verb backstab

backbite — to talk spitefully about (an absent person)
betray — If you betray someone who loves or trusts you, your actions hurt and disappoint them.
double-cross — to prove treacherous to; betray or swindle, as by a double cross.
slander — defamation; calumny: rumors full of slander.
smear — to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over something: to smear butter on bread.

All 6 Synonyms of backstab