'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.

'backstab' evolved from the literal act of stabbing someone in the back to metaphorically mean betrayal.

Initially, it meant 'to physically stab someone in the back', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'betrayal'.