turn away

verb

turned away; turning away; turns away
Synonyms of turn awaynext

transitive verb

1
a
: to refuse admittance or acceptance to
b
: to send away : reject, dismiss
c
: repel
2

intransitive verb

: to start to go away : depart

Examples of turn away in a Sentence

using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid
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.
When the facility initially opened, lawyers were unable to access their clients and were turned away at the gate. Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025 Cabot immediately covered her face and turned away from the camera, while a stunned Byron ducked down and exited the frame. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025 Hamilton's Anthony Ramos is no stranger to the Broadway stage, but he was turned away from The Voice's. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 17 Dec. 2025 An understaffed nursing home turning away patients leaves families scrambling. Bedassa Tadesse, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn away

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn away was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20away. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

turn away

verb
: to refuse to let in : send away
all the seats were sold and a large crowd had to be turned away

More from Merriam-Webster on turn away

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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