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

Even he’s taken aback by how frictionless and joyful this reunion has been.

From Los Angeles Times

Number eight Alex Matthews admitted she was taken aback to be handed the captaincy.

From BBC

When I first arrived at Reset, I was taken aback by the starkness of the space, but it didn’t take long for the hotel’s minimalism and clean lines to grow on me.

From Los Angeles Times

Still some strolling Rodeo Drive this week were taken aback by the president’s comments.

From Los Angeles Times

While many rushed to congratulate the couple, others said they were taken aback by the graphic photo - which has since been hit with an age restriction by the social media site.

From BBC

Related Words

• surprised www.thesaurus.com