WebMar 14, 2024 · Meaning If you’re telling someone you’re “taken aback,” it means that you are in shock or disbelief at their behavior. The saying can apply to your reaction to a sudden turn in events or something unexpected someone says to you. WebFeb 17, 2016 · ["Taken aback" is a term from the days of sail, when the wind might completely shift to blow from the front for a moment, which would cause the sails to fill the wrong way and the ship to be "taken aback", i.e. stopped abruptly, with an effect similar to a small earthquake.] Share Improve this answer Follow edited Dec 18, 2016 at 19:44
ABACK definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
WebThe term «taken aback» is quite widely used and occupies the 46.729 position in our list of most widely used terms in the English dictionary. 0. 100%. FREQUENCY . Quite widely used . 78 /100 . The map shown above gives the frequency of use of the term «taken aback» in the different countries. WebMay 25, 2011 · “Aback” became a nautical term in the 17th century, the OED says, when it was used to describe sails “laid back against the mast, with the wind bearing against their front surfaces.” A ship with its sails in that condition was also described as “aback.” Here are some examples from various nautical accounts: scottish shortbread iii
TAKEN ABACK Synonyms: 302 Synonyms & Antonyms …
Webtaken aback bewildered adjectiveconfused addled agape aghast agog appalled astonished astounded awe-struck awed baffled befuddled bowled over dazed dazzled disconcerted … WebFeeling a sense of disgust or repulsion Mentally or emotionally demoralized … more Adjective Confounded with surprise or wonder stunned stupefied astounded astonished … WebDefinition of taking back present participle of take back as in retracting to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) I take back what I said about her: she's not the fool I thought she was Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance retracting withdrawing renouncing denying contradicting unsaying repealing refuting scottish short eared cats