Crossword Genius

A defender may be surprised taken thus (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aback

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'be surprised taken thus' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'a defender' is the wordplay.
'defender' becomes 'back' (I've seen this before).
'a'+'back'='ABACK'

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aback that I've seen before include "impeded by headwind?" , "One is surprised when taken thus" , "dismayed to be taken thus?" , "Sternwards" , "To take someone -- is to surprise them" .)

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