taken aback

== English == === Etymology === From taken + aback, first attested in 1840. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === taken aback (comparative more taken aback, superlative most taken aback) (figuratively) Surprised, shocked. (nautical) Said of a ship, when the wind, suddenly changing, forces the sails aft against the mast. ==== Translations ==== === Verb === taken aback past participle of take aback