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 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:
Aback - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms Vocabulary.com
WebThe term taken aback means to be surprised to the extent of being stopped in your tracks. Aback is a nautical term. It means a sudden change in wind direction. When a sail ship encounters an aback, it slows considerably and can even be driven backwards. Table of Contents English Proverbs and Idioms Test More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms Webtake aback - English-Spanish Dictionary - WordReference.com take aback Listen: definition in French Conjugación [ES] English synonyms Conjugator [EN] in context images WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2024: Is something important missing? Report an error or suggest an improvement. thinkpad 755cdv
TAKE SOMEONE ABACK English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
WebSynonyms for TAKE ABACK: surprise, shock, amaze, stun, startle, bowl over, astonish, take by surprise, dumfound, thunderstrike WebPast participle for to welcome or reaccept someone (or something) back to a place or group reaccepted reassumed reinstated welcomed back had back brought back put back reestablished recalled reintroduced restored revived took back “We couldn't believe Delores would take back her prodigal daughter after what she had done.” Verb WebThe earliest OED example of “taken aback” to mean “surprised,” “shocked,” or “disconcerted” is dated 1751. This sense arose from a sailing term: taken aback: (transitive verb in the passive) Of a sail: to be suddenly pressed back against the mast, preventing forward progress, either through bad steering or a change in the wind ... thinkpad 755cs enhanced video