backbite

American  

[bak-bahyt] / ˈbækˌbaɪt /

verb (used with object)

backbit, backbitten backbit, backbiting

1. to attack the character or reputation of (a person who is not present).

   Synonyms:

   defame , libel , slander , deprecate , disparage , belittle

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verb (used without object)

backbit, backbitten backbit, backbiting

1. to speak unfavorably or slanderously of a person who is not present.

backbite British  

/ ˈbækˌbaɪt /

verb

1. to talk spitefully about (an absent person)

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Other Word Forms

• backbiter noun

Etymology

Origin of backbite

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; back ¹, bite

Example Sentences

That kind of provocative behavior will lead to years, even a lifetime, of one-upmanship, backbiting and behind-the-scenes maneuvers.

From MarketWatch

These days, both chambers are bubbling cauldrons of animosity and partisan backbiting.

From Los Angeles Times

In the book, Khachigian doesn’t pull punches in condemning backbiting and turf building by ambitious presidential aides.

From Los Angeles Times

He said "constant backbiting and attacking colleagues" by Tory MPs during the last parliament was a key reason "why the party did so badly in the general election".

From BBC

Her phone often glows with backbiting messages from Republican factions going after one another, notably in a recent intraparty skirmish over the appointment of a district clerk, which led to name-calling and a lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times