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

Even he’s taken aback by how frictionless and joyful this reunion has been.

From Los Angeles Times

Number eight Alex Matthews admitted she was taken aback to be handed the captaincy.

From BBC

When I first arrived at Reset, I was taken aback by the starkness of the space, but it didn’t take long for the hotel’s minimalism and clean lines to grow on me.

From Los Angeles Times

Still some strolling Rodeo Drive this week were taken aback by the president’s comments.

From Los Angeles Times

While many rushed to congratulate the couple, others said they were taken aback by the graphic photo - which has since been hit with an age restriction by the social media site.

From BBC

Related Words

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