Crossword Genius

Surprised a defender (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aback

'surprised' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

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

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

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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