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

Nara waved at the little girl and then held her hand out for a high five before laughing and turning back toward Lucky, who was standing behind her. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024

Most importantly, the arrow just turned back up after a blow out earnings report that suggests the stock could be headed higher. —Todd Gordon, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2024

The system that had slogged through North Florida and Georgia before creeping back out over the Atlantic turned back north and headed inland while continuing to dump rain on portions of Georgia and the Carolinas. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024

Some demonstrators turned back; others attempted to push through the cordon, trying to reach and sabotage the site. —Morgan Meaker, WIRED, 7 Aug. 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