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. 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.

see take aback.

Example Sentences

Sheets and her friends Sarah Borland, 29, and Ariana Diaz, 30, were taken aback by the quiet atmosphere in the auditorium, especially compared to “The Eras Tour” movie.”

From Los Angeles Times

While she didn't expect many female students, she was taken aback when she saw there wasn't a single girl in her class.

From BBC

Taken aback by her boldness, Singh asked Roy to meet him the following day and narrate the idea in less than 10 minutes.

From BBC

People paying their respects at the memorial were taken aback, with one commenting that, even in Utah, “there are some psychopaths.”

From Los Angeles Times

She was taken aback by his forgetfulness, and more so by his hostility.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• surprised www.thesaurus.com