The meaning of ABACK is backward, back. How to use aback in a sentence.

Define aback. aback synonyms, aback pronunciation, aback translation, English dictionary definition of aback. adv. 1. By surprise: He was taken aback by her caustic remarks.

Making people sad, shocked and upset (Definition of aback from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Dec 14, 2025 · From Middle English abak, from Old English onbæc, equivalent to a- (“towards”) +‎ back. Compare West Frisian tebek (“aback”, adverb, literally “to/at back”), Swedish tillbaka (idem.).

Idioms be taken aback, to be surprised: The tourist was taken aback by the garbage on the streets. toward the back. Nautical, Naval Terms so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail …

ABACK definition: toward the back. See examples of aback used in a sentence.

When you're taken aback, you're startled, often by another person's actions. If someone makes a rude comment at a dinner party, for example, you'll be taken aback. The word dates from about 1200, and …

If you're confrontational and you cut to the chase, some people are taken aback by it.

Definition of aback adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

• The singer is capable of delicacy, as well; the occasional pianissimo utterance takes you aback. • The authorities were taken aback, and took the unprecedented step of cordoning off the painting.