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.
Since 2000, Minnesota has won nine-plus games in consecutive seasons exactly once — when the Tarvaris Jackson/Gus Frerotte tag team won 10 games in 2008, and Brett Favre turned back the clock in 2009. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 This was when, fearing for their own daughter, Samir’s parents decided to turn back. Jazzmin Jiwa, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 Right now, that conversation usually turns back to bringing more power onto the grid via a permitting overhaul. Daniel Moore, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 John Carlson has turned back the clock in Washington and is leading one of the league’s best teams. Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 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 23 Jan. 2025.

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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