Meaning & Definition of Aback in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Taken by surprise or astonishment.

  Example Sentence: I was taken aback by the sudden announcement.

• Definition: In a position behind.

  Example Sentence: The ship was blown aback by the strong winds.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English 'abacke', meaning 'backward'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• taken aback: Surprised or startled.
• aback by something: Caught off guard by an event.

Translations

• Spanish: sorprendido

• French: surpris

• German: überrascht

• Russian: удивлённый

Related Words

• back: The opposite direction of forward.

• take aback: To surprise or shock someone.

Slang Meanings of aback

• Meaning: Caught off guard

  Example Sentence: That news really caught me aback.

• Meaning: Stunned

  Example Sentence: I was completely aback when I saw the surprise party.