Crossword Genius

Surprise, take aback (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

startle

<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">This clue is a double definition.<br/ ><br/ >'<span class="explanation-format__original">surprise</span>' is the first definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(to startle someone is to surprise or shock them)</span><br/ ><br/ >'<span class="explanation-format__original">take aback</span>' is the second definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(startling is a kind of taking aback)</span><br/ ><br/ ></span>

(Other definitions for startle that I've seen before include "Make jump" , "Astonish" , "Cause to jump" , "Cause shock/alarm" , "Take (someone) aback" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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