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

In 2024, both Finland and Poland passed legislation that allows border officials to turn back asylum seekers at their land borders. —Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

It's been a roller coaster for Rodgers, who has looked like a 41-year-old quarterback coming off a serious injury but has shown flashes of turning back the clock. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025

Crockett, illuminated like an angel by the headlights of oncoming cars, turned back and waved goodbye. —Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024

Daylight saving time ends in the fall when clocks turn back one hour. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 Dec. 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