Aback
/əˈbæk/noun
In a position or direction that is behind; unexpectedly or in a reverse manner.
Did you know?The term 'aback' originally referred to the sails of a ship being caught by the wind from behind, turning the vessel unexpectedly off course.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
on bæc
“On the back or rear side.”
Middle English
ME
abacke
“From behind; unexpectedly.”
16th Century
English
aback
“Caught off guard; in a position behind.”
17th Century
English
a-back
“Used to describe a sudden or unexpected change in direction.”