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
The 62-year-old, who made her TV debut in 1978 and starred in her first film in 1981, was taken aback when her name was called Sunday night.
—
Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
The world was taken aback when the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led an offensive that in mere weeks forced the regime to implode.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
Bronwyn, however, seemed taken aback by the question.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
The man was taken aback by Amanda's comment but managed to keep his composure.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback 
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Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
The world was taken aback when the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led an offensive that in mere weeks forced the regime to implode.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
Bronwyn, however, seemed taken aback by the question.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
The man was taken aback by Amanda's comment but managed to keep his composure.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 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 15 Jan. 2025.
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