What is taken aback?

"Taken aback" is an idiomatic expression in English that describes a state of surprise or shock. The phrase originally comes from a nautical background, where it referred to a ship's sails being pushed backward against the mast by a sudden change in wind direction, causing the vessel to halt and possibly become difficult to control. Today, the expression is used more broadly to describe someone who is startled or caught off guard by an unexpected event or remark. For example, if someone receives unexpected news, they might say they were "taken aback" by it. The phrase conveys a sense of being momentarily stunned or disconcerted.