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View synonyms for backbite

backbite

[ bak-bahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.
  1. to attack the character or reputation of (a person who is not present).

    Synonyms: defame, libel, slander, deprecate, disparage, belittle



verb (used without object)

, back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.
  1. to speak unfavorably or slanderously of a person who is not present.

backbite

/ ˈbækˌbaɪt /

verb

  1. to talk spitefully about (an absent person)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈbackˌbiter, noun
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Other Words From

  • backbiter noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of backbite1

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; back 1, bite
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Example Sentences

We are all friends; of course we are friends, and we all backbite each other and carry scandal and intrigue.

Mrs. Portal talked scandal herself and enjoyed it, but she didn't backbite, which is the difference between good and ill nature.

Backbite (Sir Benjamin), nephew of Crabtree, very conceited, and very censorious.

Even as thou art scandalizing others, thine own nature is being abased, whilst those whom thou dost backbite remain the same.

From these though descended our manners are mended,Though still we can grin and backbite!

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