Startled, astonished, shocked, or disconcerted. All of us were a bit taken aback to learn that John was moving to England next month.I must admit that I was taken aback when I heard we weren't receiving our bonuses this year.See also: aback, taken
be taken aˈback (by somebody/something)
be shocked or surprised by somebody/something: She was completely taken aback by his anger.See also: aback, taken