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
Phrases
turn back the clock
: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for turn back 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near turn back

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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