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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The audience’s reaction and engagement have taken us all aback. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 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 While the half-point increase was broadly expected, the dire warning about the fragility of the U.K. economy and stagflation, the toxic combination of no economic growth and inflation, took markets aback. Will Horner, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for aback 

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 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

aback

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

More from Merriam-Webster on aback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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