noun

backstabber

BAK-stab

Backstabber (noun) means someone who betrays a friend or colleague who trusted them, usually behind their back. Example: “She thought her coworker was a friend, until she found out he was a backstabber who took credit for her ideas.”

noun

Someone who betrays a friend or colleague who trusted them, usually behind their back.

"She thought her coworker was a friend, until she found out he was a backstabber who took credit for her ideas."

"Nobody in the office trusts him anymore — he's known as a total backstabber."

How to use backstabber

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who betrays your trust, especially by acting against you secretly while pretending to be on your side.

Common pairings

a real backstabber call someone a backstabber

Word forms

backstabbers plural

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She thought her coworker was a friend, until she found out he was a _____ who took credit for her ideas.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of back + stabber, painting the picture of an attack that comes from behind rather than face-to-face.

Rhymes for backstabber

jabber blabber grabber

See all rhymes for backstabber →

Frequently asked questions

What does “backstabber” mean?

The word “backstabber” means someone who betrays a friend or colleague who trusted them, usually behind their back. In plain terms, someone who betrays your trust, especially by acting against you secretly while pretending to be on your side.

How do you pronounce “backstabber”?

“Backstabber” is pronounced BAK-stab (/ˈbækˌstæbɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “backstabber” in a sentence?

Here is “backstabber” used in a sentence: “She thought her coworker was a friend, until she found out he was a backstabber who took credit for her ideas.”

What part of speech is “backstabber”?

“Backstabber” is a noun.