taken aback
The phrase "taken aback" originates from nautical terminology but is now commonly used to describe a strong emotional reaction to something unexpected.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
Example
- She was taken aback by his sudden proposal.
- I was taken aback when I heard the news.
C2Nautical
(technical, historical)Describes a ship when the wind changes direction suddenly, forcing the sails back against the mast.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "taken aback":