turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns back
Synonyms of turn backnext

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

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is when Audrey Saunders turned back the tides of time. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026 There is no turning back, no compromise, no side road. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026 The community has been divided over whether or not to turn back on the cameras. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 Zelenskyy was asked to return the statue once his country had turned back the ongoing Russian invasion. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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