Backbiter: meaning, definitions and examples

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backbiter

 

[ ˈbækˌbaɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
backbiter

This word is used to describe someone who speaks ill of others behind their back. It conveys a sense of betrayal and dishonesty.

  • John thought he could trust Sarah, but later discovered she was a backbiter.
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.

  • He's known to be a gossip, always spreading news about everyone in the office.
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.

  • The celebrity sued the tabloid for being a slanderer and spreading false stories.
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.

  • She couldn't believe her best friend was a backstabber who took credit for her work.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

animal behavior

In zoology, a backbiter is a term used to describe a horse that bites people or other horses from behind.

Synonyms

biter, marauder, nibbler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • During the meeting, Helen found out that Tom was a backbiter, spreading rumors about her
biter

This term usually describes an animal or person who bites, often indicating a habit or tendency rather than a deliberate act of malice.

  • The baby is a biter; you have to be careful when playing with her
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.

  • He's such a nibbler, it takes him forever to finish his meal
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.

  • The village was attacked by marauders who stole livestock and valuables

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.