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Glite Dictionary
🗡️ To betray secretly 🗡️ A secret betrayal
backstab

backstab

1 7.8
A secret betrayal by someone you trust
  • noun
  • /ˈbækˌstæb/
  • Informal
translation icon : puñalada por la espalda
  • Well, I was holding out for a good AC handheld with Gameloft's Backstab.

So today's video is actually, what's the time actually going to be on the topic of heartbreak and backstabbing.

Examples

  • If we uncouple, you can run a distraction, opening me up for the backstab.

    Prospect (2018)

  • Corey's backstab says a lot more about him and who his backers are.

    Blog text (11)

  • The knife guy would have "Iran/MuslimBros" on his arm and would be moving around Israel into position for the backstab shown in the graphic.

    Blog text (32)

  • and torture them with verbal abuse and constantly backstab and say they would be emotionless.

    Blog text (4)

  • CCP backstabs EVE players... and it was good.

    Blog text (32)

  • Eric needs to come back ASAP, but thanks to Bill's backstab, that won't be happening anytime soon, apparently.

    Blog text (4)

  • Egypt will be furious at the backstab from Israel. Arab regimes supporting the rebels in Syria will be furious about the symbolism of Israel attacking Palestinians while they try to oust Bashar al-Assad.

    Blog text (5)

  • The backstab by her closest friend left her feeling betrayed and alone.

  • His surprising backstab in the meeting shocked everyone who trusted him.

  • The committee's decision was seen as a backstab to those who had supported the project.

Synonyms

betrayal
vsbackstab
197 3.9

An act of not being loyal to someone, for example telling their secrets or helping an enemy

often is a secret act by a trusted friend rather than general disloyalty
treachery
vsbackstab
46 7.5

To betray someone's trust or loyalty

is done secretly by a trusted person rather than broad disloyalty
double cross
vsbackstab
  • Informal
5 6.6

To betray someone after pretending to help them

is a secret act by a trusted friend, not only after pretending support
perfidy
vsbackstab
  • Formal
4 9.9

A dishonest act that breaks someone's trust

is a secret act by someone trusted rather than general deceit

Antonyms

to support
∞ 1.0

Give help to a person or idea

loyalty
503 1.3

Strong and lasting support for a person, group, or idea

How Treacherous

treason
  • Formal
183 7.8
treachery
46 7.5
backstab
  • Informal
1 7.8
betrayal
197 3.9

Surface Forms

backstab singular
backstabs plural

Morphology

backstab = back + stab (transparent) = back + stab

The meaning is directly deducible from 'back' + 'stab' (literally 'a stab in the back' → secret betrayal).

Etymology

Backstab is made from back and stab, and it gives a vivid picture of someone being 'stabbed' from behind so they cannot see the attack. That's why a backstab means a secret act of betrayal, often by someone you trusted.