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

The lead sponsor of both bills, former state Sen. Connie Leyva, said she was taken aback by school districts using confidentiality provisions.

From Los Angeles Times

Reyes, the former Jefferies analyst, said he was taken aback by how much debt Gary had accumulated.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite the rain, the King seemed determined to go outside, where crowds appeared taken aback to see this unexpected visitor and held up their phones in the drizzle.

From BBC

The hearing was told this was while the class were discussing mental health and life expectancy, with one pupil "taken aback" as she was "going through struggles" at the time.

From BBC

Where they once undoubtedly took onlookers aback, they now draw them affectionately in.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• surprised