# backstabbing

/bˈækstæbɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backstabbing
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

betrayal of someone who trusts you, often by saying bad things about them when they are not there. You use it for friends or coworkers who act loyal to your face.

For teachers: betrayal of trust through secret disloyalty, such as spreading damaging information about an ally or friend. Typically implies outward friendliness combined with covert hostility.

## Examples

- She hates the backstabbing in her office.
- He praised his teammate in the meeting but criticized him to the boss later — classic backstabbing.
- The memoir describes years of backstabbing among allies who smiled for cameras while leaking damaging stories to the press.

## Synonyms

betrayal, treachery, disloyalty, backbiting

## Antonyms

loyalty

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.