rear back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To suddenly move your body or head quickly backward, usually because you are surprised or scared.
Literal meaning: To move the rear (back) part of oneself or something backward, as a horse rears.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
horse head surprise shock disgust fear
Forms
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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