take aback

phrase

as in surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected Everyone was taken aback by her sudden anger. The family seemed taken aback by the overwhelming generosity of their neighbors.

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Cite this Entry

“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20aback. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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