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

Attendees captured a video of Summit turning to Earle and giving her a hug and a few kisses on the cheeks and lips before turning back to his equipment. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

Video showed Trump turning back to the crowd and raising a fist right before he is put into a vehicle. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2024

Some of those restaurants have since had their power restored, part of the 1 million homes and businesses that have seen their power turned back on, Jason Ryan, the executive vice president of CenterPoint Energy, the city’s largest utility, told the Associated Press on Thursday. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 July 2024

Demi Moore wants to turn back the clock with a little liquid intervention. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 11 July 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