backbite

Meaning

Verb

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

Noun

One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.

Synonyms

slander

vilify

malign

defame

calumniate

libel

bitch

denigrate

speak evil of

speak ill of

asperse

slur

complain about

caluminate

miscall

others

revile

scandalize

smear

suspect

traduce

shout at

speak ill

chew slowly

scheme behind one’s back

dish the dirt

panetella

steal a bite

raduce

villainize

accuse

villainise

attribute

backbiting

badmouth

blame

calumny

criticize

cut

decry

detraction

discredit

dislike

disparage

gossip

Translations

verleumden

calumniar

difamar

calunniare

diffamer

calomnier

belasteren

caluniar

anschwärzen

calumniar

afterreden

κακολογώ

difamar

fälschlich beschuldigen

kwaadspreken

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: bakbiten

Cognate with Icelandic: bakbíta

In summary

From Middle English bakbiten, bacbiten, equivalent to back- + bite. Cognate with Icelandic bakbíta (“to backbite, vilify”).