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

Reinhart’s vintage Elie Saab moment comes at a time when several high-profile stars are turning back the clock and looking to the runway from the early aughts and ’90s for their red carpet and project promotional tour stints. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

However, reacting to these fears with outright bans will not turn back the clock on artificial intelligence. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Things opened up in the second half, highlighted by tight end Travis Kelce turning back the clock for a 59-yard gain in the open field. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Then the wine and sake pairing started, and there was no turning back. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 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