backstab
|back/stab|
B2
/ˈbækˌstæb/
betrayal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'backstab' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'stab', where 'back' refers to the rear part of the body and 'stab' means to pierce or wound with a pointed object.
Historical Evolution
'backstab' evolved from the literal act of stabbing someone in the back to a metaphorical sense of betrayal.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to physically stab someone in the back', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'betrayal'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to betray someone by pretending to be their friend while secretly doing things to harm them.
He backstabbed his colleague to get the promotion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/26 21:36