Search
to take aback
01
to surprise someone so much that they are unable to react quickly
Example
Mary was taken aback by the insolent tone of the customer when she tried to assist them.
Despite his friendly demeanor, John's sharp tongue emerged when he was provoked, leaving others taken aback by his sudden verbal precision.
They were taken aback by the invective that followed their suggestion.
She was taken aback by the crass behavior of her coworker, who showed no regard for professional etiquette.
They were taken aback by her insouciance in the face of adversity.
