Aback

Quick meaning: Aback is an adverb meaning By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage).

Meaning

By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage).

More Meanings

1. (nautical) Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind from the "wrong" (forward) side, or of a ship when its sails are set that way.
2. (archaic, Geordie) Towards the back or rear; backwards.
3. (archaic) In the rear; a distance behind.
4. (obsolete, Early Modern) An inscribed stone square.

Example Sentences

hoyed aback o' the fire

As the anchor fetches her up, she will swing head to wind, bringing the head sails aback.

Then the sails on the mainmast were backing and we started getting stern way. Eagle was caught aback.

Q. Was not the Trident at that time aback with one or more Top-sails? A. To the best of my Knowledge she had both Top-sails aback.

Word Forms

• abacks

Synonyms for aback

Depending on context, synonyms include unawares.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include surprise, unawares, sternward, astonished, shocked, startled.

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