aback
pronunciation
How to pronounce aback in British English:
UK [əˈbæk]
How to pronounce aback in American English:
US [əˈbæk]
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- Adverb:
- having the wind against the forward side of the sails
- by surprise
Word Origin
- aback (adv.)
- c. 1200, from Old English on bæc "at or on the back;" see back (n.). Now surviving mainly in taken aback, originally a nautical expression in reference to a vessel's square sails when a sudden change of wind flattens them back against the masts and stops the forward motion of the ship (1754). The figurative sense is first recorded 1840.
Example
- 1. The question took me aback , yet it was natural .
- 2. Yet its vehemence took them aback .
- 3. He was taken aback when he was told the secret .
- 4. Mr. williams said that he was taken aback by the request and demurred .
- 5. Such a heated reaction has taken chinese observers aback .