How do you use the word "aback" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "aback": I was taken aback at the shadow. I was taken aback at the answer.

Aback Meaning

/əˈbæk/

Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

advTowards the back or rear; backwards.

advIn the rear; a distance behind.

Sentence Examples

I was taken aback at the shadow.

I was taken aback at the answer.

Walter was taken aback by John's cruel insult.

CEFR Practice Quiz

The unexpected criticism from the boss left the entire team completely taken ____.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

She was taken ____ by the sudden news of his departure.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English abak, from Old English onbæc, equivalent to a- (“towards”) + back. Compare West Frisian tebek (“aback”, adverb, literally “to/at back”), Swedish tillbaka (idem.).

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"The mild, though licentious reign, of Louis the Sixteenth, threw France far aback, in her ambitious career; but it gave birth to that revolution, wherein, her warlike propensities and territorial resources were unfolded with tenfold efficacy." — 1815, David Laurie, A Treatise on Finance, under which, the General Interests of the British Empire are Illustrated, Glasgow: Chapman, page 322:

"Then stopped, and bounded aback, and away as if in fear, / That I saw her no more; then I wondered though sitting close anear / Was a she-wolf great and grisly." — 1889, William Morris, A Tale of the House of the Wolfings and All the Kindreds of the Mark, London: Reeves & Turner, page 31:

"hoyed aback o' the fire" — 1970, SCOTT DOBSON, Advanced Geordie Palaver:

"There are so many canes upon Reliance that the labourers could not cut those aback, as they prefer cutting those in front. The cane fields aback were in cultivation last year." — 1840, “Proceedings of an Inquiry held at plantation Reliance, in the county of Essequibo”, in Papers Relative to the West Indies, 1841: British Guiana, London: H.M.S.O., published 1841, page 201:

"I would rather board a hundred of the enemy's frigates, than steer my boat into a fleet of modest women, for a modest woman never fails to take me aback." — 1808, The Post-Captain: A View of Naval Society and Manners, 3rd edition, London: Thomas Tegg, page 165:

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