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

Days later, on February 5, another group of 23 migrants was encountered re-entering Honduras from Guatemala after deciding to turn back from Mexico. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025

Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and wellness enthusiasts are getting routine NAD+ infusion therapy in an attempt to turn back the clock on aging. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025

What can individuals do to turn back time on the clock? —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

While funding could be turned back on pending the outcome of a 90-day review, there is also growing concern among advocates that congressional support for PEPFAR is in peril due to a revelation earlier this month that groups receiving aid performed abortions, which is a violation of U.S. law. —Sara Cook, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025

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