turn back

turn back

verb

Definition of TURN BACK

intransitive verb

1

a : to go in the reverse direction b : to stop going forward

2

: to refer to an earlier time or place

transitive verb

1

: to drive back or away

2

: to stop the advance of

3

: to fold back

4

: give back, return

— turn back the clock

: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

Examples of TURN BACK

1. <a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire>

First Known Use of TURN BACK

15th century

Related to TURN BACK

Synonyms: beat off, fend (off), rebut, repulse, stave off, turn away, repel

Related Words: defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurn

Near Antonyms: embrace, hail, welcome

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