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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- backstabbers
Fill the gap
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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.
Related words
Rhymes for backstabber
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.
