aback

American  

[uh-bak] / əˈbæk /

adverb

1. toward the back.

2. Nautical. so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.

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adjective

Nautical.

1. (of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.

2. (of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback.

idioms

1. taken aback, surprised and disconcerted.

   I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

aback British  

/ əˈbæk /

adverb

1. 1. startled or disconcerted

   2. nautical (of a vessel or sail) having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion

2. rare towards the back; backwards

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aback More Idioms  

1. see take aback.

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Etymology

Origin of aback

First recorded before 1000; Middle English abak, Old English on bæc “to the rear”; a- ¹, on, back ¹

Example Sentences

At the start of Jeremy Vine's show on Radio 2 at midday, Vine said he was "taken aback by the story" and that he had "no further information" about it.

From BBC

The man was clearly taken aback, some of the other patrons chuckling in surprise, the Dodger pulse of this town clearly resonating in a completely unusual fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

"Prime Minister Takaichi viscerally reacted, her eyes widening and her smile disappearing as she leaned back, drawing her hands in, clearly taken aback by the sudden mention of Pearl Harbor," she said.

From BBC

Taken aback at my sharp tone, Mr. Lew tucked his chin.

From Literature

“I know that,” Theo says through the door, and I think I hear him stammer a little, taken aback by my fury.

From Literature

Related Words

• surprised