Backbiter: meaning, definitions and examples
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backbiter
[ ˈbækˌbaɪtər ]
personality trait
A backbiter is someone who speaks negatively about someone behind their back, often in a deceitful or treacherous manner.
Synonyms
backstabber, gossip, slanderer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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backbiter |
This word is used to describe someone who speaks ill of others behind their back. It conveys a sense of betrayal and dishonesty.
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gossip |
This word refers to someone who talks about other people's private lives, often spreading rumors. It can be used in both casual and negative scenarios.
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slanderer |
A slanderer is someone who tells lies or makes harmful statements about others to damage their reputation. This word has a strong legal and negative connotation.
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backstabber |
This term describes a person who betrays someone, especially a friend, for personal gain or out of malice. It often implies a particularly shocking and hurtful betrayal.
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Examples of usage
- He pretended to be her friend, but he was actually a backbiter who spread rumors about her.
- Don't trust him, he is known to be a backbiter.
animal behavior
In zoology, a backbiter is a term used to describe a horse that bites people or other horses from behind.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
backbiter |
Used to describe someone who speaks negatively about others behind their backs, typically in a derogatory way. Often has a negative connotation.
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biter |
This term usually describes an animal or person who bites, often indicating a habit or tendency rather than a deliberate act of malice.
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nibbler |
Refers to someone or something that eats small amounts of food slowly or in small bites, usually in a harmless and often endearing way.
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marauder |
Used to describe someone who roams in search of things to steal or people to attack. Often associated with a group or an individual with lawless behavior, and generally used for more serious or dramatic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Be careful around that horse, it's a backbiter and has a tendency to bite unexpectedly.
Translations
Translations of the word "backbiter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caluniador
🇮🇳 पीठ पीछे बुराई करने वाला
🇩🇪 Verleumder
🇮🇩 pengumpat
🇺🇦 наклепник
🇵🇱 oszczerca
🇯🇵 中傷者
🇫🇷 calomniateur
🇪🇸 calumniador
🇹🇷 iftiracı
🇰🇷 중상자
🇸🇦 نمام
🇨🇿 pomlouvač
🇸🇰 ohovárač
🇨🇳 诽谤者
🇸🇮 obrekovalec
🇮🇸 rógber
🇰🇿 жамандаушы
🇬🇪 ცილისმწამებელი
🇦🇿 böhtançı
🇲🇽 calumniador
Etymology
The word 'backbiter' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'back' and 'bite' to convey the idea of someone who attacks from behind, either verbally or physically. It has been used to describe both human behavior and animal behavior, highlighting the treacherous nature of such actions.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,776, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 41773 broadsided
- 41774 unshackling
- 41775 notarizing
- 41776 backbiter
- 41777 catmint
- 41778 abnegate
- 41779 tipsily
- ...