backstab

verb, noun — 2 senses

backstab

verb

/ˈbækˌstæb/

Etymology From back + stab.

To attack someone (especially verbally) unfairly in a deceitful, underhand, or treacherous manner, especially when they're not present in the place or situation that it happens.

Derived terms: backstabbee, backstabber, backstabby

backstab

noun

Etymology From back + stab.

An act of backstabbing.

After this conversation I was shocked; he asked me to leave the car so he would stay with her alone. Everything fell on me, I felt my body heavy and my heart beating very fast. It was such a backstab that it still hurts today.2016, Mauro Paulino, Forensic Psychology of Spousal Violence, London: Academic Press, →ISBN, page 160:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.