aback

(eg. essay, girl, interpretation )

aback aback /ə ˈbæk/

But, when the jury came in with her conviction, she reportedly was taken aback.
At first, McMullen was taken aback.
I was a bit taken aback because I didn't see it as the primates trying to dictate terms, but to say, look, here is a scheme which we think you could work with.

Take exception to Harkins’s self-described leadership style
I was taken aback by the current mayor’s statements regarding his “leadership” style. Let’s take a look at some items from last week’s Star . Speaking of the Town Council, he says “we work in a civil and gentlemanly manner.” That is offensive on so many levels.
on June 11, 2013 Source: Stratford Star
Money, Sex, Power: How To Get Plenty Of One
What motivates you? This is the question that I often ask when meeting other professionals for the first time. Throughout my career, people have always been somewhat taken aback by the question. After they get over their initial surprise, they proceed to add to the endless assortment of responses I’ve heard, such as family, career success, freedom, boating, and even horse riding music. Yes, that ...
on June 7, 2013 Source: Forbes
Did Michelle Obama heckler use coded racial words? Or not?
The Michelle Obama heckler said she was 'taken aback' at the confrontation, which some say indicated a perspective of 'white privilege.' Her group, GetEQUAL, said 'We value the first lady's leadership.'
on June 7, 2013 Source: The Christian Science Monitor

"I'm just a little taken aback by the tone of your remarks, because it's unconnected to reality," Sessions said. "I know what happened at Harvard. I know you were an outspoken leader against the military policy. I know you acted without legal...
on Jun 29, 2010 By: Jeff Sessions Source: TIME
This is what he said after playing in the pro-am: "I'm taken aback by its difficulty. I think it's a very tough golf course. It's tough to get the ball in the fairways. The greens are very big, but are cut up into smaller sections. Add to that,...
on Jul 4, 2010 By: Jim Furyk Source: Kansas City Star
His Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, responded at a campaign event in Indianapolis that she was "taken aback by the demeaning remarks Senator Obama made about people in small-town America. Senator Obama's remarks are elitist and they are out of...
on Apr 13, 2008 By: Hillary Rodham Clinton Source: Terre Haute Tribune Star