take aback

verb

1. tr, adverb to astonish or disconcert

Idioms and Phrases

Surprise, shock, as in He was taken aback by her caustic remark . This idiom comes from nautical terminology of the mid-1700s, when be taken aback referred to the stalling of a ship caused by a wind shift that made the sails lay back against the masts. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1829.

Example Sentences

Nelson Dean from London was also taken aback by the high cost of formula.

From BBC

But when one man from Cardiff combined his love for Lego with his interests in architecture and even sport, he was taken aback to be met with widespread interest in his hobby.

From BBC

Former Indian diplomats say they are taken aback by what has been described as “megaphone diplomacy” by Yunus - trying to discuss contentious bilateral issues through the media.

From BBC

A few months ago, I was taken aback by an article in the New York Times’ Vows section.

From Los Angeles Times

In a November 2023 interview, the former president seemed taken aback by the idea that Swift might not be playing at liberal beliefs for the cameras.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitate
• alarm
• bewilder
• bother
• confound
• daunt
• disconcert
• discourage
• dishearten
• disillusion
• dispirit
• disquiet
• disturb
• dumbfound
• embarrass
• faze
• flummox
• fluster
• frighten
• horrify