1
archaic : backward, back
2
: in a position to catch the wind upon the forward surface (as of a sail)
3
: by surprise : unawares
was taken aback by her sharp retort

Examples of aback in a Sentence

completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving
Recent Examples on the Web The southern hospitality took Alabama football’s new offensive coordinator aback. Matt Stahl | Mstahl@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2023 Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope Leo (July 23 - August 22) Your own brilliance could take you aback today. USA TODAY, 23 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for aback 

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Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aback was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near aback

Cite this Entry

“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aback. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

aback

adverb
1
2
: by surprise : unawares
taken aback by the turn of events

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