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

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!” the figure screamed in return, for he was just as taken aback as they were.

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At first Penelope was taken aback; all she could think of was that man outside Buckingham Palace, selling tickets to the pauper’s food line.

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“This is just my first day,” I replied, taken aback.

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Charlie was so taken aback, he called to ask them what it meant.

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He kind looked a little taken aback and said “Oh, well, do you like it?”

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Related Words

• surprised www.thesaurus.com