ABACK Meaning and
Definition
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Aback is an adverb that typically refers to a state of being taken by surprise or caught off-guard. It suggests a sudden and unexpected reaction or feeling of astonishment or disbelief. When one is taken aback, they are temporarily shocked or startled by something unexpected or unusual.
The term aback is often used in the context of emotional or mental reactions. For example, if someone receives unexpected news or encounters a startling revelation, they may be entirely taken aback. This reaction can manifest in various ways, such as a sudden pause, a gasp, or even physical stumbling backward.
Aback can also convey a sense of being emotionally overwhelmed, causing a temporary state of confusion or disorientation. It implies a loss of composure or the need to physically or mentally regroup.
Furthermore, aback can describe a situation where a person or object is positioned or moved in a way that is against the normal or expected direction. This is often used in nautical terms, especially when referring to the sudden shifting of a ship or its sails due to a change in wind direction.
Overall, the term aback carries the connotations of surprise, astonishment, and temporary disorientation, whether it is in regards to unexpected news, reactions, or uncommon physical movements.
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• On the back; backwards, as used by sailors; by surprise; unexpectedly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ABACK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ABACK
Etymology of ABACK
The word "aback" has its roots in Old English, specifically from the phrase "on bæc", which translates to "on the back". It was derived from the combination of the preposition "on" and the noun "bæc", which meant "back" or "rear". Over time, this phrase evolved and contracted into the single word "aback", which came to represent being taken by surprise or caught off guard. The sense of "being driven backward" or "to a backward position" is also associated with this word.
Idioms with the word ABACK
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take aback
The idiom "take aback" means to surprise or shock someone, typically by an unexpected action or statement. It refers to the feeling of being momentarily stunned or caught off guard.
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be set aback
The idiom "be set aback" means to be surprised, taken aback, or caught off guard by something unexpected or shocking. It refers to the feeling of being startled or temporarily at a loss due to an unforeseen event or situation.
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set (someone) aback
The idiom "set (someone) aback" means to surprise, shock, or astonish someone, often resulting in a momentary pause or hesitation. It implies that something unexpected or unforeseen has caught someone off guard, leading to a temporary state of disbelief or confusion.
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take (one) aback
The idiom "take (one) aback" refers to the act of surprising or shocking someone, catching them off guard, and leaving them momentarily speechless or astonished. It suggests a sudden and unexpected reaction to a situation or statement that leaves the person feeling disconcerted or taken by surprise.
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take someone aback
The idiom "take someone aback" means to surprise or shock someone. It refers to the act of catching someone off guard or causing them to be temporarily speechless or startled due to an unexpected event or remark.
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taken aback
The idiom "taken aback" means to be surprised, startled, or caught off guard by something unexpected or shocking.
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be taken aback (by somebody/something)
The idiom "be taken aback (by somebody/something)" means to be greatly surprised, shocked, or startled by someone or something, often causing one to be momentarily unable to react or respond.
Similar spelling words for ABACK
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