back formation
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.
a word so formed, as typewrite from typewriter.
Origin of back formation
1Words Nearby back formation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use back formation in a sentence
In any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back-to-back formation.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 | United States War DepartmentIn any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back to back formation.
Manual of Military Training | James A. Moss
British Dictionary definitions for back formation
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
a word formed by this process
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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