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.
When Dalal tried to register him, he was turned away. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Led by remarkable goal-tending by 37-year-old Eloy Room, the Blue Wave turned away Ecuador time after time. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 Boise goalkeeper Jonathan Kliewer made the lone goal stand up by turning away Omaha’s best scoring opportunity in the 76th minute. Idaho Statesman, 21 June 2026 As its offense gained confidence, Scotland turned away two more Moroccan scoring bids, with Hendry sliding to deflect a Sabiri dangerous shot off the crossbar and Gunn rejecting an El Khannouss header off a corner kick. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 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 23 Jun. 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

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