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
   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

Even people who trusted vaccinations before might be taken aback by a rapid development timeline that has led them to doubt its safety.

From Quartz

He looked a little taken aback, then thanked me for his birthday wishes and walked away.

From Washington Post

Some men might be taken aback to learn that a woman they just met a few days ago is in love with them.

From Washington Post

I was taken aback, as I still am every time I see one of these birds, by how enormous it was.

From Popular-Science

Antonio says NBA players are often taken aback when they visit the Philippines and people on the street want to discuss game details with them.

From Ozy

Still, when I saw the menu of latkes the different vendors offered, I was a bit taken aback.

From The Daily Beast

Your sister-in-law is kinder and truly taken aback that you look “so healthy!”

From The Daily Beast

When asked if this characterization had any validity, Raimondo seemed taken aback—I am what?

From The Daily Beast

One of those preachers admitted to The Daily Beast that he was taken aback by her zeal.

From The Daily Beast

He struggled as television crews tried to mike him up for sound and seemed taken aback when delegates asked him for an autograph.

From The Daily Beast

The landlord, who seemed to be thoroughly taken aback, unlocked the door with a trembling hand, and the missionary passed out.

From Project Gutenberg

Ethel was slightly taken aback, but only said, "Papa would be very angry if he knew it."

From Project Gutenberg

"On my word, here's a pretty knave," said the baron, taken aback by the coolness of the speaker.

From Project Gutenberg

I was taken aback that this apparently powerful personage should be seeking aid of me, a prisoner.

From Project Gutenberg

Father Francis was taken aback a little by this sudden burst of affection.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• surprised