back formation
Americannoun
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the analogical creation of one word from another word that appears to be a derived or inflected form of the first by dropping the apparent affix or by modification.
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a word so formed, as typewrite from typewriter.
noun
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the invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs edit and burgle were so created from editor and burglar
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a word formed by this process
Etymology
Origin of back formation
First recorded in 1885–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Carrick followed Fletcher's lead in ditching Amorim's three at the back formation, pushed skipper Bruno Fernandes into a more forward role, recalled Kobbie Mainoo to play alongside Casemiro and stuck with it.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Shane O’Neill shifted over to fill Yeimar’s spot in the three center back formation — teaming with Xavier Arreaga and AB Cissoko — but Seattle’s season-long stingy defense was charitable to Houston.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 16, 2021
As a noun it means “an individual having reproductive organs or external sexual characteristics of both male and female.” Dictionary.com traces its origins back to 1915, as the back formation of “intersexual.”
From Washington Times • Nov. 27, 2017
Coleman whenever they go with a two running back formation.
From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2012
In any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back to back formation.
From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
