backstabber
|back-stab-ber|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbækˌstæbər/
🇬🇧
/ˈbækˌstæbə/
betrayal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'backstabber' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'stab,' where 'back' refers to the rear part of the body and 'stab' means to pierce or wound with a pointed object.
Historical Evolution
'backstabber' evolved from the phrase 'stab in the back,' which was used to describe betrayal.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to physically stab someone from behind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'betraying someone secretly.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who betrays someone by pretending to be a friend while secretly acting against them.
He realized too late that his colleague was a backstabber.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42