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

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.
But recent election results suggest trouble for the Republicans, with voters who fueled their gains in 2024 turning away from the party. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025 Their counterparts who had been turned away from Mercer County, too, formed communities elsewhere in Ohio. Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 Expect to be ignored, laughed at and turned away. Chris Cardillo, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025 Here are state requirements for presidential election Can I be turned away at the polls on Election Day? Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 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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