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

see also:

turn back the clock

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

Climbers who have not reached the summit by noon should turn back, the sheriff’s office said, giving themselves — and rescuers, if needed — enough daylight to get off the mountain. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

But this is about Folk, the 41-year-old whose right leg could be the Falcons’ biggest point of improvement from last season and a 19-year veteran who has somehow, someway, turned back the clock. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Sep. 2026

While her music has remained a fixture on country charts, the latest results show listeners are turning back to her catalog across formats and generations following her death. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Thus, Kansas City’s best cornerback lineup may include the young corners outside, with Sneed turning back the clock four seasons and manning the nickel. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for turn back

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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