back formation

noun

, Linguistics.

1. the analogical creation of one word from another word that appears to be a derived or inflected form of the first by dropping the apparent affix or by modification.
2. a word so formed, as typewrite from typewriter.

back formation

noun

1. the invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs edit and burgle were so created from editor and burglar
2. a word formed by this process

Word History and Origins

Origin of back formation¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

For instance, Neal plays weakside linebacker when the Seahawks go with a three-safety, six-defensive back formation, or what is commonly called a “dime” defense, with Jones entering as the third safety.

From Seattle Times

Shane O’Neill shifted over to fill Yeimar’s spot in the three center back formation — teaming with Xavier Arreaga and AB Cissoko — but Seattle’s season-long stingy defense was charitable to Houston.

From Seattle Times

The Arsenal manager had spent much of the eve of this contest suggesting the time had come to ditch the three at the back formation he had adopted in the wake of the 3-0 loss last season, bemoaning the fact his team “didn’t score enough goals away from home,” with their play “a bit too lateral”.

From The Guardian

As a noun it means “an individual having reproductive organs or external sexual characteristics of both male and female.” Dictionary.com traces its origins back to 1915, as the back formation of “intersexual.”

From Washington Times

The U.S. struggled for much of the first 30 minutes against Mexico, leaving too much space in a three-center back formation designed around 18-year-old midfield wunderkind Christian Pulisic.

From Washington Times