1 B2 neutral
To suddenly pull one's upper body or head sharply backward in surprise, fear, or disgust.
"She reared back in shock when she opened the box and found it full of spiders."
inseparable
rear back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move suddenly and sharply backward, often in surprise, fear, or disgust; used of people, animals, and vehicles.
In plain English
To suddenly move your body or head quickly backward, usually because you are surprised or scared.
What does "rear back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
(Of a horse or animal) To pull the head and upper body sharply backward.
"The horse reared back when it heard the loud explosion nearby."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move the rear (back) part of oneself or something backward, as a horse rears.
Actually means
To suddenly move your body or head quickly backward, usually because you are surprised or scared.
Usage tip
Used of both humans and animals. When used of horses, it describes a specific movement where the horse pulls its head and neck back. In human contexts, often associated with shock, surprise, or a strong emotional reaction.
Words that pair with "rear back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
horse head surprise shock disgust fear
How to conjugate "rear back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rear back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rears back
he/she/it
Past simple
reared back
yesterday
Past participle
reared back
have + pp
-ing form
rearing back
continuous
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