aback

[ uh-bak ]

adverb

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

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.

aback

/ əˈbæk /

adverb

1. taken aback
   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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aback¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aback¹

Old English on bæc to the back

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. taken aback, surprised and disconcerted:

   I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

More idioms and phrases containing aback

see take aback .

Example Sentences

“I made a lot of assumptions about him, and I was taken aback by how forward-thinking and progressive he was,” he adds.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Gosling, a paramedic, was "taken aback" when asked about limb donation as she had not heard of it before, but she agreed without hesitation.

From BBC

We were all taken aback but I didn't understand that I was apparently the culprit.

From BBC

Some lawyers admit to being taken aback by some of the tactics.

From Los Angeles Times

I was taken aback, naturally, but when I had my wits about me again, I thought, oh wow, this film has some traction, some real staying power.”

From Salon

Related Words

• surprised