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

But shortly after the game resumed, the video board turned back on, and the buzzer was fixed. —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

While not touted as an anti-aging serum, the cream’s ability to plump up tired-appearing skin can help turn back the clock. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

Many of us can picture the familiar skincare aisle — rows upon rows of serums, creams and cleansers, each one promising to turn back the clock. —Allison Palmer updated February 25, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

Murphy says the administration appears to be trying to turn back the clock and detain people now when they should have been detained at the border. —Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

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