aback

[ uh-bak ]

/ əˈbæk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR aback ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb

toward the back.

Nautical. so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.

adjective Nautical.

(of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.

(of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback.

RELATED WORDS

surprised, confused

Nearby words

abac, abaca, abaci, abaciscus, abacist, aback, abaco, abacterial, abactinal, abaculus, abacus

Idioms

taken aback, surprised and disconcerted: I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

Origin of aback

before 1000; Middle English abak, Old English on bæc to the rear. See a-¹ on, back¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for aback

It was apparent that, seasoned to surprises as they were, Nick's presence took them aback.
The Glimpses of the Moon|Edith Wharton
The simplicity of her question took Joseph aback, and he replied: I suppose thou'rt right in a way, Esora.
The Brook Kerith|George Moore
It took the Captain aback, and he came to a stand, eyeing us, who look'd back at him without saying a word.
The Splendid Spur|Arthur T. Quiller Couch
Denis's surprised displeasure at their action in opening the letter took them aback.
The Graftons|Archibald Marshall

Somers was thrown all aback by this arrival, which was certainly the most remarkable one that had taken place during the day.
The Young Lieutenant|Oliver Optic

British Dictionary definitions for aback

aback

/ (əˈbæk) /

adverb

taken aback

startled or disconcerted
nautical (of a vessel or sail) having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion

rare towards the back; backwards

Word Origin for aback

Old English on bæc to the back

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with aback

aback

see take aback.