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/əbˈæk/ Listen

adverb

Aback adv.

Toward the back or rear; backward. "Therewith aback she started."

Behind; in the rear.

(Naut.) Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind.

To be taken aback.

(a)

To be driven backward against the mast; said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven.

(b)

To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited.

noun

Aback n. An abacus. (Obs.)

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Etymology of 'Aback'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Aback" Quotes from Famous Books

... the Intrepid, in Mr. Byng's division, was so disabled in her rigging that she could not be managed, and drove on the ship that was next in position; a circumstance which obliged several others to throw all aback in order to avoid confusion, and for some time retarded the action. Certain it is, that Mr. Byng, though accommodated with a noble ship of ninety guns, made little or no use of his artillery, but kept aloof, ...

— The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.II. - From William and Mary to George II. • Tobias Smollett

... in the story is, of course, the extraordinary condescension of Jesus in doing this menial service for his disciples. "The feet-washing symbolises the attitude of humble service to others. Every follower of Jesus must experience it." One of the disciples is so astonished, even taken aback by this menial service on the part of Jesus, that he says: Thou shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, "If I wash thee not, thou ...

— The Higher Powers of Mind and Spirit • Ralph Waldo Trine

... was taken aback for a moment. Then he cried out heartily: "Damme, the rogues took five guineas from you too. Here, fill your purse, child." He shot out gold on ...

— The Highwayman • H.C. Bailey

... Shakespeare seems to have felt that it was a little too rapid, for Orlando asks Oliver, 'Is't possible that on so little acquaintance you should like her?' It is rather Celia's prompt response which takes us aback. It looks too much like 'any woman to any man.' It may be said in excuse that Celia had heard the piteous story of his conversion, how he had become 'a wretched ragged man o'ergrown with hair,' and what is more to the point, she had heard of Orlando's noble kindness ...

— More Pages from a Journal • Mark Rutherford

... taken aback. He wondered if Sir Michael were playing some trick on him, for it was absolutely impossible that he could have gone and come ...

— Tales From Scottish Ballads • Elizabeth W. Grierson

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