backbites
Disparages behind backs
Backbites is the third-person singular of backbite, meaning to speak maliciously about someone who isn't present.
The word evokes the image of an attack from behind—criticism delivered where the target can't defend themselves: She backbites her coworkers constantly but smiles to their faces.
Harm reputation falsely
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- vilifyAttack someone's reputation
- malignAttack someone's reputation
denigrate · disparage · traduce · besmirch · tarnish · calumniate · impugn · aspersion
One who spreads unverified talk
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
gossipmonger · hearsay · dirt · tales · chatter · natter · buzz · yenta
defame
Harm reputation falsely
malign · denigrate · disparage · traduce · besmirch · tarnish · calumniate · impugn · aspersion · detract
rumormonger
One who spreads unverified talk
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
blabbermouth · gossipmonger · hearsay · dirt · tales · chatter · natter · buzz · yenta · scoop
backbitesconfronts
Addresses a problem directly
calls out · reproaches · has it out · rebukes · admonishes
backbitespraises
Verbally commends
commends · lauds · extols · compliments · defends
backbitesdefends
Acts to protect
stands up for · supports · has someone's back · protects · vouches for