turn away

verb

turned away; turning away; turns away

transitive verb

1

a

: to refuse admittance or acceptance to

b

: to send away : reject, dismiss

c

: repel

2

: deflect sense 2, avert

intransitive verb

: to start to go away : depart

Synonyms of turn away

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

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

Unlike public schools or Cedar Rapids Prep, the city's private schools can turn away a child for poor grades, or a history of misbehavior. —Cory Turner, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

Michael Collodi turned away three shots in goal for Dallas (3-1-4). —Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026

The argument did not appear heated initially, but when Quatraro turned away he was tossed. —ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

Warren then retired Caglianone as the Royals were turned away. —Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for turn away

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

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