backstab

[ bak-stab ]
See synonyms for backstab on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),back·stabbed, back·stab·bing.
  1. to attempt to discredit (a person) by underhanded means, as innuendo, accusation, or the like.

Origin of backstab

1
First recorded in 1920–25; back2 + stab

Other words from backstab

  • backstabber, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024