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.
The footage shows that Webster looked into the cell, then turned away and continued toward the exit. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Transmission has not slowed, with cases topping 1,700 in just the first four months of this year as the virus spreads through communities that have turned away from vaccination. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Get it before this deal turns away from your doorstep. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026 Some attendees turned away at door Earlier Wednesday, a man who drove from Denton hoping to attend the Turning Point USA event said he was disappointed to learn he would not be allowed inside. Marissa Armas, CBS News, 22 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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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