backbite

[ bak-bahyt ]
/ ˈbækˌbaɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR backbite ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.

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

verb (used without object), back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.

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

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Origin of backbite

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; see origin at back1, bite

OTHER WORDS FROM backbite

back·bit·er, noun

Words nearby backbite

backband, backbar, backbeat, backbencher, backbend, backbite, backblocks, backboard, backboard splint, backbone, backbreaker
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to backbiter

murderer, spy, terrorist, competitor, rival, guerrilla, agent, detractor, bandit, foe, villain, traitor, rebel, opposition, invader, criminal, adversary, antagonist, opponent, prosecutor

Example sentences from the Web for backbiter

British Dictionary definitions for backbiter

backbite
/ (ˈbækˌbaɪt) /

verb -bites, -biting, -bit, -bitten or -bit

to talk spitefully about (an absent person)

Derived forms of backbite

backbiter, noun
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