turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns back
Synonyms of turn backnext

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

see also turn back the clock

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.
Flex, who taunted Cassie on Instagram immediately after the Diddy verdict, is not turning back that tide. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Fog was reportedly a factor in the news station's chopper turning back, though the station said there's nothing to indicate that the weather was what led to the crash. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025 For example, Apple briefly turned off an AI feature that rewrote push notifications from news apps inaccurately (it’s since been turned back on by default). Kif Leswing, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025 One hope for turning back the invaders lies in a plan to alter the habitat where they were first discovered in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s portion of the river. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 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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