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 + by
He was taken aback by her answer.

Examples of take aback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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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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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