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Definition of backslider

backslider

/ˈbækˌslaɪ.dɚ/
back · slid · er
Plural:backsliders
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backslider Lexical Profile

backslider Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who relapses into bad habits, undesirable behavior, or sin, especially after a period of religious devotion or moral reform.

Example

"The support group offered encouragement to any backslider struggling to maintain sobriety after leaving the clinic."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

backslapping
backslash
backslide
backslider
backsliding
backspace
backspin

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, formed as an agent noun from the compound verb 'backslide' ('back' + 'slide'), originally used in Protestant theological writing to describe a believer who relapses into sin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Backslider. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/backslider
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