take aback

To surprise someone so much that they feel unsure how to react.

• Her question took me aback.
• We were taken aback by the size of the bill.
• Were you taken aback when he announced his resignation?

How to use it: be taken aback by something (I was taken aback by her angry reply.); take someone aback (His sudden question took me aback.)

Similar words: surprise, startle, shock

Common phrases: take someone aback, take aback someone

To catch a sailing ship suddenly with wind pressing against the wrong side of its sails.

• The ship was taken aback.
• A sudden gust took the small vessel aback.
• The crew reacted quickly when their ship was taken aback.

How to use it: a ship is taken aback (The ship was taken aback by a sudden change in the wind.)

Common phrases: take something aback, take aback a ship