turn away

verb

turned away; turning away; turns away

transitive verb

1
a
: to refuse admittance or acceptance to
b
: to send away : reject, dismiss
c
: repel
2

intransitive verb

: to start to go away : depart

Examples of turn away in a Sentence

using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another controversy will enter the news cycle and attention will turn away from Belichick and Hudson. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025 Maybe one day a transplant procedure could help people find the light side of the Force and turn away from the dark side. Daniel B. Oerther, The Conversation, 1 May 2025 With his back facing home plate and completely turned away from the ball, Varsho quickly got himself back onto one knee and stuck his glove behind his back in a last-ditch effort to make a play. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025 When the doors closed to the general public at 7 p.m. on Friday, mourners were turned away in droves. Nicole Winfield and Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn away

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn away was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20away. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

turn away

verb
: to refuse to let in : send away
all the seats were sold and a large crowd had to be turned away

More from Merriam-Webster on turn away

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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