Meaning & Definition of word "Aback"
Aback
/əˈbæk/
adverb:
- 1. Taken by surprise; startled.
- Example: I was taken aback by the unexpected news of her resignation.
- 2. Awkwardly positioned or placed.
- Example: The furniture was arranged aback, making it hard to move around the room.
- 3. Toward the back; backward.
- Example: He stepped aback to let the others pass.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'abacke', meaning 'backward'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
taken aback:
Surprised or startled.
aback by something:
Caught off guard by an event.
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.