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.
The Supreme Court turned away Virginia’s appeal on Monday that sought to quash a challenge to the state’s lifetime voting ban for people convicted of felonies, allowing the lawsuit to move ahead toward trial. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 June 2025 In one episode of the Netflix series, a cheerleading hopeful is turned away for being too short while Finglass and other cheerleaders discuss the modern rule book. Emily Krauser, People.com, 21 June 2025 The 6-foot-4 left-handed slugger turned away, and the pitch hit him in the back of the shoulder and his upper arm, which is his pitching arm. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 That’s why this campaign turns away from confrontation and toward connection. John Drake, Forbes.com, 19 June 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 28 Jun. 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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