turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns 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

Phrases

turn back the clock

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

Synonyms

• beat off
• fend (off)
• rebut
• repel
• repulse
• stave off
• turn away

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

Recent Examples on the Web

The lights miraculously turn back on an instant later, and the Original Beef lives to see another day. —Marah Eakin, Vulture, 4 June 2024

According to Martin, the working title Ten Thousand Ships refers to the military move in which Nymeria ordered all her ships to be burned after her army traveled from Essos to Dorne so that turning back was not an option. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 16 May 2024

The mom of two immediately turned back around to find another shirt — a gingham button-up option that covered her breasts — before returning courtside just in time for the last three minutes of the game. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

His attention, though, quickly turned back to the New York criminal trial. —Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

turn back

verb

1

: to go in the reverse direction : return

turned back for home

2

: to stop the advance of : check

turned back the enemy