taken aback

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

a•back /əˈbæk/   adv. Idioms

1. Idioms be taken aback, to be surprised:
   The tourist was taken aback by the garbage on the streets.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

a•back  (ə bak′), adv. 

1. toward the back.
2. Nautical, Naval Terms so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.
3. taken aback, surprised and disconcerted:
   I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

adj. [Naut.]

4. Nautical, Naval Terms (of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.
5. Nautical (of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback.

• Middle English abak, Old English on bæc to the rear. See a-^1, on, back¹ bef. 1000

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

aback / əˈbæk/ adverb

1. taken aback ⇒ startled or disconcerted
2. (of a vessel or sail) having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion

Etymology: Old English on bæc to the back