BACKBITE

backbite, bitch

(verb) say mean things

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Verb

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

To make spiteful slanderous or defamatory statements about someone.

(informal) To attack from behind or when out of earshot with spiteful or defamatory remarks.

To speak badly of an absent individual.

Synonyms

• See also defame

Noun

backbite (plural backbites)

One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.

Anagrams

• bite back

Source: Wiktionary

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Back"bite`, v. i. Etym: [2nd back, n., + bite]

Definition: To wound by clandestine detraction; to censure meanly or spitefully (as absent person); to slander or speak evil of (one absent). Spenser.

Back"bite`, v. i.

Definition: To censure or revile the absent. They are arrant knaves, and will backbite. Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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