backstab
/bækstæb/
VERB
1. To betray someone secretly or treacherously
To betray, deceive, or act disloyally toward someone, especially by secretly harming them or violating their trust.
1.1. Betraying someone's trust or loyalty
To secretly betray someone who trusts or supports you, often by acting against their interests or revealing confidential information.
Synonyms
- betray
- cross
- double-cross
- play Judas
- stab in the back
- two-time
Antonyms
Examples
- It's difficult to forgive a friend who chooses to backstab you.
Related Words
- deceive
- disloyal
- treachery
- treacherous
- unfaithful
1.2. Speaking maliciously about someone behind their back
To damage someone's reputation through secret criticism, gossip, slander, or negative remarks made without their knowledge.
Synonyms
- backbite
- slander
- smear
Related Words
1.3. Secretly informing against or betraying someone to authorities
To betray someone by secretly reporting their activities, revealing their involvement in wrongdoing, or providing information that leads to their exposure or punishment.
Synonyms
Related Words
- inform
- snitch
- informant
- denounce
- report
1.4. Breaking a promise or going against an agreement
To betray someone's expectations by failing to honor a commitment, agreement, or previously expressed assurance.
Synonyms
- go back on
Related Words
- renege
- repudiate
- withdraw
- renounce
NOUN
2. An act of betrayal or treachery
A dishonest or disloyal action that violates someone's trust, often through secret hostility, deception, or betrayal.
2.1. Betrayal and disloyal conduct
An act of secretly betraying someone, breaking their trust, or acting against their interests.
Synonyms
- betrayal
- double-cross
- treachery
- stab in the back
Examples
- Backstab incidents can severely damage trust within relationships.
- He felt betrayed after discovering the backstab by his colleague.
- The political arena is notorious for its backstab tactics.
- Despite warnings, she didn't anticipate the extent of the backstab that ensued.
Related Words
- deception
- disloyalty
- duplicity
- treason
- faithlessness