aback
toward the back.
Nautical. so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.
(of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.
(of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback.
Idioms about aback
taken aback, surprised and disconcerted: I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.
Origin of aback
1Words Nearby aback
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use aback in a sentence
Even people who trusted vaccinations before might be taken aback by a rapid development timeline that has led them to doubt its safety.
To overcome vaccine skepticism, follow the British Muslim medical professionals’ approach | Annalisa Merelli | December 10, 2020 | QuartzHe looked a little taken aback, then thanked me for his birthday wishes and walked away.
Hints From Heloise: Saving face in cases of mistaken identity | Heloise Heloise | December 3, 2020 | Washington PostSome men might be taken aback to learn that a woman they just met a few days ago is in love with them.
‘The Bachelorette’ implodes as the star leaves the show: A guide to a chaotic episode | Emily Yahr, Lisa Bonos | November 6, 2020 | Washington PostI was taken aback, as I still am every time I see one of these birds, by how enormous it was.
The quest to snare—and save—the world’s largest owl | Jonathan Slaght | August 28, 2020 | Popular-ScienceAntonio says NBA players are often taken aback when they visit the Philippines and people on the street want to discuss game details with them.
Still, when I saw the menu of latkes the different vendors offered, I was a bit taken aback.
Your sister-in-law is kinder and truly taken aback that you look “so healthy!”
When asked if this characterization had any validity, Raimondo seemed taken aback—I am what?
Meet Gina Raimondo, the Only Democratic Star of 2014 | David Freedlander | November 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOne of those preachers admitted to The Daily Beast that he was taken aback by her zeal.
He struggled as television crews tried to mike him up for sound and seemed taken aback when delegates asked him for an autograph.
The landlord, who seemed to be thoroughly taken aback, unlocked the door with a trembling hand, and the missionary passed out.
The Garret and the Garden | R.M. BallantyneEthel was slightly taken aback, but only said, "Papa would be very angry if he knew it."
The Daisy Chain | Charlotte Yonge"On my word, here's a pretty knave," said the baron, taken aback by the coolness of the speaker.
Balsamo, The Magician | Alexander DumasI was taken aback that this apparently powerful personage should be seeking aid of me, a prisoner.
Valley of the Croen | Lee TarbellFather Francis was taken aback a little by this sudden burst of affection.
British Dictionary definitions for aback
/ (əˈbæk) /
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
Origin of aback
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with aback
see take aback.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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