aback
UK: əˈbæk | US: əˈbæk
adv. 1. by surprise or suddenly (as in "taken aback")
adv. 2. (archaic) backward or in a reverse direction
The word "aback" originates from Old English on bæc, literally meaning "on/at the back." The prefix a- (from Old English on) denotes position or direction, while back retains its core meaning of the rear side. Over time, "aback" evolved from its literal spatial sense ("backward") to a figurative usage ("taken by surprise"), likely influenced by nautical terminology where sails pressed "aback" by a headwind would suddenly halt a ship’s motion. This metaphorical shift reflects the abruptness of being physically or emotionally "pushed backward."
She was taken aback by his unexpected confession.
The sudden noise threw the horse aback.
(Archaic) The ship drifted aback as the wind changed.
His harsh words left her momentarily aback.
The team was aback at the news of their manager’s resignation.