What is the difference between 当惑する , 戸惑う, はっとする and 度肝を抜く


I get that all 3 kind of express the same idea of "being taken aback" or
taking someone aback, being shocked, bewildered, surprized.

I am wondering what are their subtle differences in nuance (if any) and if all
can be used in similar scenarios or have to abide by certain restrictions. For
example I've seen はっと being used only in causative form when we want to say "I
was shocked" -> "はっとさせられた"




**当惑する** (noun + verb)  
_common word_

Originally 当惑 is a noun which means "bewilderment", it can be used as a verb
when connecting する or just as a noun (its main function).

* * *

**戸惑う** (verb)  
_common word_

It is a verb in itself for "to be confused", "to be bewildered".

* * *

**はっとする** (adverb + する)  
_common, narrative_

はっと is onomatopoeic. You can use it as part of a speech but you will likely
see it in storytelling as it supports monologues of actions.  
it expresses the swiftness of a surprise and can be used before different
verbs. For instance :

その光景にはっと息をのんだ。  
I [with a surprise] lost my breath at the sight.

* * *

**度肝を抜く** (noun + verb, expression)  
_not common, narrative_

"to be stunned"  
More of an expression, its use is more likely to be seen in literature.




**当惑する** (noun + verb)  
_common word_

Originally 当惑 is a noun which means "bewilderment", it can be used as a verb
when connecting する or just as a noun (its main function).

* * *

**戸惑う** (verb)  
_common word_

It is a verb in itself for "to be confused", "to be bewildered".

* * *

**はっとする** (adverb + する)  
_common, narrative_

はっと is onomatopoeic. You can use it as part of a speech but you will likely
see it in storytelling as it supports monologues of actions.  
it expresses the swiftness of a surprise and can be used before different
verbs. For instance :

その光景にはっと息をのんだ。  
I [with a surprise] lost my breath at the sight.

* * *

**度肝を抜く** (noun + verb, expression)  
_not common, narrative_

"to be stunned"  
More of an expression, its use is more likely to be seen in literature.

