what is aback

aback 
qualifier 
at the back. 
Nautical. so the breeze presses against the forward side of the sail or sails. 
descriptor Nautical. 
(of a sail) situated with the goal that the breeze presses against the forward side. 
(of a yard) situated with the goal that its sail is laid aback. 
Phrases 
shocked, and ruffled: I was shocked his unforgiving feedback. 
Models from the Web for aback 
Contemporary Examples of aback 
This has dependably put Arabs aback, made them powerless and anxious to stay away from uncollected acceleration. 
Recorded Examples of aback 
This revelation thumped every one of us aback, and we were comfortable misfortune how to continue. 
Indeed, when you think about that, would you be able to ponder I was set all aback? 
It took her aback by its explicitness, and for a minute left her without an answer. 
I surely took him aback, and he nearly dropped the glass. 
Sarah did not respond in due order regarding a moment, for the inquirer took her aback; at that point she snickered. 
English Dictionary definitions for aback 
aback 
verb modifier 
shocked 
startled or vexed 
nautical(of a vessel or sail) having the breeze against the forward side in order to avert forward movement 
uncommon towards the back; in reverse 
Word Origin for aback 
Early English on Bic to the back 
Equivalent words and Antonyms of aback 
all of a sudden 
totally shocked the neighborsʼ declaration that they were moving 
Equivalent words of aback 
abruptly, unanticipated, uninformed, unprepared, suddenly 
Words Related to aback 
suddenly, short 
incredibly, astoundingly, shockingly 
Expressions Synonymous with aback 
out of the blue, off kilter 
Close Antonyms of aback 
laggardly, restful, Polly, gradually, drowsily, delinquently 
clearly 
In the event that you are taken aback by something, you are astonished or stunned by it and you can't react without a moment's delay.