1 back-formation | Definition of back-formation

back-formation

noun
back-for·​ma·​tion | \ ˈbak-fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce back-formation (audio) \

Definition of back-formation

1 : a word formed by subtraction of a real or supposed affix from an already existing longer word (such as burgle from burglar)
2 : the formation of back-formations

First Known Use of back-formation

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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More from Merriam-Webster on back-formation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about back-formation