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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
Phrases
turn back the clock
: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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.
Monterey County officials offered several safety tips for visitors to the beach and coast this holiday weekend, which include staying aware of ocean conditions, never turning back on the ocean, staying off rocks, jetties and outcroppings and to respect posted warnings and barriers. Tim Fang, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025 So McDaniels, who had picked up his dribble, had to turn back and attempt to float a pass to Randle that was knocked away for another turnover. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025 To stop or turn back would mean death. Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Now, more and more folks are planning to go and never turn back. Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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