backbite
- to attack the character or reputation of (a person who is not present).
- to speak unfavorably or slanderously of a person who is not present.
Origin of backbite
Synonyms for backbite
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for backbiting
lie, slander, abuse, spite, gossip, aspersion, calumny, defamation, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, invective, malice, obloquy, scandal, tale, vituperation, belittlement, calumniation, denigrationExamples from the Web for backbiting
Contemporary Examples of backbiting
Trouble seemed to arise not from big issues like race but from petty gossip and backbiting.
Never mind recent reports of backbiting and fingerpointing within the Perry camp.
The Koran warns against “backbiting,” and so does the Torah, which calls it “evil tongue.”
Of course, now that the reorganization is official, the speculation stops and the backbiting from disenchanted executives begins.
A Republican member looks past the current backbiting to the supposed GOP Majority next year.
Historical Examples of backbiting
The little settlement was a hot-bed of gossip, backbiting, and slander.
A Half Century of Conflict - Volume IFrancis Parkman
Where does grudge-bearing, backbiting, or uncharitableness come in?
Standards of Life and ServiceT. H. Howard
Preciosa was upon trial for misdemeanor, and I for backbiting.
When Grandmamma Was NewMarion Harland
Their life is one round of lying and gossiping, of scolding and backbiting.
Is it possible, then, for backbiting to glide into religious communities?
Fraternal CharityRev. Father Valuy
backbite
- to talk spitefully about (an absent person)
Word Origin and History for backbiting
c.1200, bacbitunge, from back (adj. or n.) + biting. Related: back-bite (v.), early 14c.; back-biter (c.1200).