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

Jared Wright skated it down and turned back a slick pass for Laughton, whose whirling, sharp-angle bid beat Dobeš improbably to the far side. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

And, besides, he could be seen bear-hugging his players, as well as those of Newcastle, within moments of being led away from Barrott, twice turning back to shout and angrily gesticulate in the referee’s direction. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

There will be keggers, hook-ups, late nights and early mornings, all without shading Greg as a sad old man trying to turn back time. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026

Once your pair crunchy snap peas with peppery arugula, a sweet and zippy homemade dressing, and garlicky toasted breadcrumbs, there is no turning back. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for turn back

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

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