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

Carrillo said the house had been turned back over to the Guthrie family, but was still part of an active investigation. —Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 5 Feb. 2026

The conclusion of free agency would allow eyes to turn back to college basketball in time for the postseason in March, or perhaps to World Cup qualifying tournaments. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Nancy Guthrie’s home has been turned back over to Guthrie’s family. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

During a news conference on Tuesday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the house was turned back over to the family on Monday. —Pat Milton, CBS News, 3 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