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 teen was taken aback, emphasizing how this was the first time she’s made a major life choice for herself without anyone’s input.
—
Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
In a video shared by Lopez's official fan club On the JLo, the entertainer was clearly taken aback by the ongoing cheers from the crowd.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
The annual Cancer Challenge was dear to him, but Liz was taken aback when soon after his death the club invited her to take over leadership of the event.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
That’s some pretty remarkable history — even Briscoe was a bit taken aback Wednesday.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
In a video shared by Lopez's official fan club On the JLo, the entertainer was clearly taken aback by the ongoing cheers from the crowd.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
The annual Cancer Challenge was dear to him, but Liz was taken aback when soon after his death the club invited her to take over leadership of the event.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
That’s some pretty remarkable history — even Briscoe was a bit taken aback Wednesday.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
Cite this Entry
“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20aback. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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