This meaning of 'aback' shows a feeling of surprise or shock. People use it when something is unexpected and makes them stop or react quickly.
I was taken aback by his words.
She stood aback when she saw the news.
Here, 'aback' describes a physical position or movement toward the back. It is often used in nautical or physical contexts to show something moving backward.
The ship sailed aback in the strong wind.
The door was pushed aback by the wind.
'Taken aback' is an idiom meaning to be very surprised or shocked. It is one of the most common uses of the word 'aback' today.
He was taken aback by the sudden noise.
I was taken aback when she spoke loudly.
This technical sailing meaning means the wind is blowing against the front of the sails, slowing or stopping the ship. It is a specialized use not common in daily speech.
The ship was held aback by the strong wind.
The sails went aback during the storm.
This figurative meaning describes feeling confused or unprepared because something unexpected happened. It is similar to being surprised but focuses on a negative or difficult situation.
He was caught aback in the debate today.
She felt aback by the hard questions.
