take aback
phrasal verb
took aback; taken aback; taking aback; takes aback
: to surprise or shock (someone)
—usually used as (be) taken aback
When I told him my answer, he seemed taken aback.
—often + byHe was taken aback by her answer.
Examples of take aback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But he’s taken aback when he’s asked to explain why such an old-fashioned tradition persists.
—
Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Cooper was himself taken aback at the reaction of some Leicester fans to his connection to their local rivals Forest.
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
We were taken aback by the lie, and perhaps Carol was, too.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2024
The 7 Rings singer was at a photo call in Sydney following the Australian premiere of the film, and looked taken aback when someone passed her their pet pooch.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Cooper was himself taken aback at the reaction of some Leicester fans to his connection to their local rivals Forest.
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
We were taken aback by the lie, and perhaps Carol was, too.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2024
The 7 Rings singer was at a photo call in Sydney following the Australian premiere of the film, and looked taken aback when someone passed her their pet pooch.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback
Dictionary Entries Near take aback
Cite this Entry
“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20aback. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share