backbite

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative forms 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.4 Noun 1.4.1 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative forms

• back-bite

[edit] Etymology

back +‎ bite

[edit] Verb

to backbite (third-person singular simple present backbites, present participle backbiting, simple past backbit, past participle backbitten)

1. To make spiteful slanderous or defamatory statements about someone.
2. (informal) To attack from behind or when out of earshot.
3. To speak badly of an absent individual.

[edit] Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:defame

[edit] Derived terms

• backbiter
• backbiting

[edit] Noun

backbite (plural backbites)

1. One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.

[edit] Translations