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.
The videos show that her SUV was moving slowly and her wheels were turning away from the ICE agents, critics said. Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 Video analysis by the New York Times shows Good's vehicle appeared to be turning away from the officer who fired on her. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 The film is also not afraid to experience joy, and doesn’t turn away from the hard work a relationship demands. Carole Horst, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026 When the car starts to move forward and turn away from the ICE officials, another officer close to the front of the SUV fires multiple times at close range into the open driver's side window. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 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 10 Jan. 2026.

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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