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

Phrases

turn back the clock

: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

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

There’s turning back up until the deed is done. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

When Genevieve’s physics experiment at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair goes explosively wrong, Ash jumps in to save the day, turning back time by a few minutes to prevent disaster. —Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025

The Royals will look for more impact bats this offseason and could turn back to Yastrzemski if needed. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025

Rescuers were reaching the site on foot after a rescue helicopter attempted to reach the site, but bad weather forced it to turn back, AP reported. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

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