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

Phrases

turn back the clock

: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

Synonyms

• beat off
• fend (off)
• rebut
• repel
• repulse
• stave off
• turn away

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

Recent Examples on the Web

As the girls were crossing the bridge, German turned back and posted several photos to Snapchat, including one of Williams minding her steps. —Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024

Another theory posits that the wiggling of Alfvén waves, oscillations in the Sun’s magnetic field that penetrate into the corona and turn back on themselves, can also inject energy into the solar wind. —Byhannah Richter, science.org, 31 Oct. 2024

In November, millions of Americans turn back their clocks, marking the end of daylight saving time in 2024. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2024

By starting Flaherty in Game 1, the team could turn back to the trade-deadline acquisition on normal four days’ rest for Game 5. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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