taken aback

From taken + aback, first attested in 1840.

taken aback (comparative more taken aback, superlative most taken aback)

1. (figuratively) Surprised, shocked.
   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 8, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:

     It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.

2. (nautical) Said of a ship, when the wind, suddenly changing, forces the sails aft against the mast.

taken aback

1. past participle of take aback