reverse

¹re·verse

adj \ri-ˈvərs\

Definition of REVERSE

1

a : opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition <reverse order> b (1) : having the back presented to the observer or opponent (2) : made with one's back to the basketball net <a reverse layup>

2

: coming from the rear of a military force

3

: acting, operating, or arranged in a manner contrary to the usual

4

: effecting reverse movement <reverse gear>

5

: so made that the part which normally prints in color appears white against a colored background

— re·verse·ly adverb

Examples of REVERSE

1. Can you say the alphabet in reverse order?
2. The drug is used to lower blood pressure but may have the reverse effect in some patients.

Origin of REVERSE

Middle English revers, from Anglo-French, from Latin reversus, past participle of revertere to turn back — more at revert

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with REVERSE

adverse, amerce, asperse, averse, coerce, commerce, converse, cutpurse, disburse, disperse, diverse, dry nurse, free verse, immerse, inverse, Nez Percé, obverse, perverse, rehearse, scrub nurse, sesterce, submerse, transverse, traverse, wet nurse