backstabbing
/bækˈstæbɪŋ/
VERB
1. To betray or attack someone secretly
To attack, criticize, or undermine someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous manner, especially when that person is absent.
1.1. Secret betrayal and disloyalty
Secretly betraying someone who trusts you by acting against their interests, breaking their loyalty, or deceiving them for personal advantage.
Synonyms
- betraying
- double-crossing
- double-dealing
- going back on
- selling down the river
- stabbing in the back
- two-timing
Antonyms
- defending
- protecting
- standing by
Examples
- In the world of politics, backstabbing is unfortunately all too common.
- The atmosphere in the office became toxic due to constant backstabbing among coworkers.
- She grew weary of the constant backstabbing and drama in her social circle.
Related Words
- abandonment
- deception
- disloyalty
- duplicity
- faithlessness
- perfidy
- treachery
- unfaithfulness
1.2. Speaking maliciously about someone behind their back
Secretly criticizing, insulting, defaming, or spreading damaging information about someone when they are not present.
Synonyms
- backbiting
- calumniation
- calumny
- character assassination
- defamation
- denigration
- disparagement
- gossip
- libeling
- maligning
- mudslinging
- slander
- smearing
- vilification
Antonyms
- admiration
- commendation
- compliment
- praise
- approval
Examples
- He distanced himself from the group to avoid being dragged into their cycle of backstabbing and deceit.
Related Words
- aspersion
- cattiness
- detraction
- derision
- innuendo
- invective
- malice
- rumor
- talebearing
- vituperation
1.3. Secretly deceiving or misleading someone
Using dishonest, manipulative, or underhanded methods to mislead someone, conceal intentions, or gain an advantage at another person's expense.
Synonyms
- beguiling
- deceiving
- misleading
- swindling
- tricking
Antonyms
- honesty
- truthfulness
- faithfulness
- fidelity
Examples
- The movie portrayed the gritty reality of underworld backstabbing and betrayal.
Related Words
NOUN
2. The act of secretly betraying someone
An act of betrayal, deceit, or treacherous behavior in which someone secretly undermines, harms, or acts against another person's interests.
2.1. Betrayal and treachery
An act of violating someone's trust or loyalty through secret hostility, deception, or disloyal conduct.
Synonyms
- betrayal
- double cross
- double-crossing
- double-dealing
- faithlessness
- perfidy
- sellout
- treachery
- treason
- two-facedness
- two-timing
- unfaithfulness
Antonyms
- allegiance
- dependability
- devotion
- faithfulness
- fidelity
- loyalty
- steadfastness
- trustworthiness
Examples
- In the world of politics, backstabbing is unfortunately all too common.
- The movie portrayed the gritty reality of underworld backstabbing and betrayal.
Related Words
- abandonment
- desertion
- disloyalty
- dishonesty
- duplicity
- infidelity
- deceit
- deception
2.2. Malicious criticism and character assassination
The practice of secretly damaging someone's reputation through gossip, slander, false accusations, or disparaging remarks.
Synonyms
- aspersion
- backbiting
- calumniation
- calumny
- character assassination
- defamation
- denigration
- detraction
- disparagement
- libel
- mudslinging
- slander
- smear
- vilification
Antonyms
- admiration
- commendation
- endorsement
- praise
- approval
Examples
- The atmosphere in the office became toxic due to constant backstabbing among coworkers.
- She grew weary of the constant backstabbing and drama in her social circle.
Related Words
- censure
- condemnation
- derision
- discredit
- gossip
- innuendo
- invective
- malice
- reproach
- rumor