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

see also:

turn back the clock

Synonyms of turn back

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

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

Recent Examples on the Web

Paige turned back around to find Nikki Bella hitting her with a clothesline. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Authorities used water cannons, tear gas and warning shots to try to turn back migrants. — Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Both Ceuta and Melilla are heavily fortified, and many migrants who arrive in the enclaves are immediately turned back. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Matthew Stafford dropped back, faked a handoff, turned back around and went looking for Puka Nacua again. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for turn back

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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