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)

Derived Forms

• ˈbackˌbiter, noun

Other Words From

• backbiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbite¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg