Backstabbing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone pretends to be a friend but does something harmful behind your back.

• She trusted him, but he was backstabbing her by spreading rumors

Describes the act of being disloyal or breaking trust in any relationship or agreement.

• His betrayal of their friendship was the hardest thing to forgive

Strongly negative term referring to serious acts of betrayal, often involving danger or risk.

• The treachery of the enemy spies was discovered, leading to their capture

Involves lying or trickery to gain some advantage or hide the truth.

• Her deceit in the business deal eventually led to a complete loss of trust

Specific to acts against one's country or sovereign, typically involving a legal charge.

• He was accused of treason for leaking state secrets to a foreign government

This term is used when someone pretends to be a friend or ally but secretly undermines you or does something harmful behind your back. It often implies deceit and disloyalty in personal or professional relationships.

• She couldn't believe the backstabbing from her closest friend.
• In the corporate world, backstabbing is unfortunately too common.

This verb is used when someone breaks trust or loyalty, often by revealing secrets or aligning with someone against you. It implies a significant violation of trust.

• He felt deeply hurt when his colleague betrayed him by revealing their plans to the competitor.
• Judas is known in history for betraying Jesus.

This verb is used when someone deliberately misleads or lies to another person. It can be used in various situations, whether personal, professional, or casual.

• He tried to deceive her with false promises.
• The magician's act is designed to deceive the audience.

This noun describes the act of breaking trust or loyalty, typically in personal relationships. It suggests a deep emotional hurt and a sense of being wronged.

• The betrayal of his best friend left him devastated.
• She was angry about the betrayal from her business partner.

This phrase implies promising loyalty or cooperation to someone but then going against that promise for personal gain, often seen in criminal or spy contexts. It's a stronger and more deliberate form of betrayal.

• The thief decided to double-cross his partners and take all the loot for himself.
• She was furious when she found out that her ally had double-crossed her.