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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
Phrases
turn back the clock
: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

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.
Passengers told of an ordeal in which the boat had engine problems, sparking an argument between the captain and several passengers who pleaded with him to turn back to Mexico. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Now, the tide seems to be turning back toward the Persian Gulf. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025 Thirteen asylum seekers and the immigrant rights group Al Otro Lado challenged the practice in 2017 on behalf of migrants who were turned back to Mexico. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025 The wintry mix should turn back to rain by the afternoon, when temperatures will warm up to about 40 degrees. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 17 Nov. 2025 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 29 Nov. 2025.

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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