adverb
aback
Backward or toward the rear.
The wind caught the sail aback.
Etymology
The older expression combined “on” with “back,” describing a position or movement toward the rear. That physical direction remains the meaning in this use.
More examples
- The square sail was suddenly blown aback.
- The captain ordered the sail laid aback.
- The vessel slowed with its sails aback.
Forms
aback
Similar words
- backward
- Backward is the general direction; aback is especially used of wind pressing against the forward side of a sail.